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Leftist group urges IBP to drop gov’t lawyers who drafted EO 464 from its roll of members

Leftist group urges IBP to drop gov’t lawyers who drafted EO 464 from its roll of members

 

Staunch critics of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her controversial Executive Order No. 464 barring government officials from appearing in any congressional hearings on Friday urged the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to drop the names of government lawyers who drafted the controversial EO from its roll of members.

 

The militant fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said the IBP should disown and dismember Defense Secretary Atty. Avelino Cruz, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Atty. Merceditas Gutierrez and Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales.

 

“ Secretary Cruz, presidential legal counsel Gutierrez and Justice Secretary Gonzales violated the code of conduct and ethics and advocacy of IBP for truth, justice and transparency and respect for the Constitution and sovereign rights of the people when they collaborated to pursue this no consent, no appear policy of the female dictator,” said Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap.

 

Pamalakaya’s Hicap said it would be better if the IBP would recommend and pursue the disbarment of Defense secretary Cruz, Justice Secretary Gonzales and presidential chief legal counsel Gutierrez.

 

“ That’s the price they have to pay for crafting a monster edict like EO 464 for violating the 1987 charter and for defending a criminal, corrupt and puppet administration. The IBP should carry this as a campaign or advocacy on an across-the-nation scope,” the leftist leader added.

 

Presidential spokesperson and Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye on Thursday disclosed the names of government lawyers as he dared critics of EO 464 to challenge the legality of said measure to the Supreme Court.

 

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, a staunch ally of President Arroyo urged the Chief Executive to follow Shakespeare’s advice and kill all her lawyers –or at least fire them from office. The senator said those Palace lawyers should be criminally charged and held without bail – if there were such a crime as culpable ignorance of the 1987 Constitution.

 

For his part, Pamalakaya information officer Gerry Albert Corpuz said the Fr. Joaquin Bernas view on E0 464, which the constitutional expert and one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution described as a gag rule, an obstruction of work of legislature from exercising its’ role as a fiscalizer and disturbed the balance of power among branches of the government should move the IBP from pursuing the dismembership and disbarment of the three government lawyers.

 

“ The IBP is facing a Herculean task of getting rid the pro-Arroyo Three Stooges in Malacañang who all conspired with the ruling syndicate in crafting an evil measure that would virtually place the entire country under the US-backed Macapagal-Arroyo dictatorship,” he said.

 

Corpuz also asked other constitutional experts and legal luminaries to come out in the open to denounce and challenge the constitutionality, legality and morality of EO 464.

 

The group’s information chief said the bandwagon of resistance against the controversial order is putting pressure to Malacañang and it may succeed in compelling Ms Arroyo to withdraw EO 464 and other measures, which the Palace might pursue in the coming weeks. #

 

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 00:53 | link | comments (1) |

Leftist group calls on AFP to drop court-martial vs. Gudani, Balutan

2 military officers who defied EO 464 deserve accolades, not persecution

Leftist group calls on AFP to drop court-martial vs. Gudani, Balutan

 

The left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Friday asked the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to drop the planned court-martial proceedings against Brig. General Francisco Gudani and Col. Alexander Balutan, saying the two officers and gentlemen deserve accolades of their colleagues in the military and not character assassination and political persecution.

 

“ Brig. Gen. Gudani and Col. Balutan should be saluted and not persecuted by their peers in the military from the generals down to the rank-and-file sector. The proposed court-martial proceedings by pro-Arroyo generals in the AFP is another one big stupidity and bankruptcy in the making,” said Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap in a press statement.

 

AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga together with service commanders of the AFP yesterday announced that Gudani and Balutan would face court-martial proceedings for disobeying a legal order from the President.  The move was formally aired during a news conference announcing the disciplinary action against the two PMA officials.

 

The AFP Chief of Staff asserted that the actions of Gudani and Balutan were tantamount to violations of the Articles of War.  Lt. Gen. Senga said the military is now powerless to take action against the two officers because they are now under the custody of the Senate.

 

Hicap said what Gen. Gudani and Col. Balutan did in defying Malacañang’s gag rule on all government officials to appear before the Senate inquiry on the controversial Hello Garci tape and poll fraud in Lanao provinces was in accordance with the national interest of the Filipino people.

 

“ The AFP chief of staff appears to be in cahoots with Ms Arroyo in suppressing the truth and denying the Filipino people of their collective and sovereign rights to know the truth. His order to place the two officers and gentlemen to the military’s inquisition court is one of the major cover up for the millennium for the sake of his political benefactor in Malacañang,” the militant leader added.

 

Pamalakaya’s Hicap also asked the lawyers and civil libertarians to provide legal help and moral assistance to Gen. Gudani and Col Balutan so both military officers could challenge the military’s order to place them before the military court.

 

“ Let us provide the much needed legal and moral assistance to Gen. Gudani and Col. Balutan who bravely defy an Adolf Hitler inspired order from Ms Arroyo to let the people know the truth about the massacre of people’s verdict in the last May 10, 2004 elections,” the group added.

 

Earlier, the Communist Party of the Philippines through its spokesperson Gregorio “ Ka Roger” Rosal commended Gen. Gudani and Col. Balutan for defying E0 464 compelling all government officials to get first the consent or approval of Ms Arroyo before testifying in any congressional hearings.

 

Rosal said military officials or enlisted men who are targets of the government’s campaign of suppression can seek refuge with rebels in territories in which they say they exercise control. He also asked disgruntled government soldiers and military officials to come out in the open en masse and support the movement to oust the President. #

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 00:52 | link | comments |

Miriam told: Quit Senate

For canceling own probe on Venable LLP deal at the pleasure of Malacañang

Miriam told: Quit Senate

 

Militant leaders of the leftist fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Wednesday told pro-administration Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago to quit her job as elected lawmaker of the country for canceling her own committee’s probe on the controversial Venable LLP deal entered into by National Security Adviser (NSA) Norberto Gonzales to seek support for Charter Change upon the order of Malacañang calling the Senate to cancel all probes set this week.

 

“ She was elected to serve the people and not at the pleasure of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her ruling syndicate in Malacañang. If that is her vocation, then she has no right to represent the voice and collective interest of the Filipino people,” Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in a press statement.

 

Hicap added: “ She is totally disgusting. She would do practically anything, everything to please Ms Arroyo even at the expense of the people’s collective interest for truth and justice. What kind of advocacy is this? Advocacy by and for puppets?  She is a big letdown to those who voted for her.”

 

Sen. Santiago, earlier announced that the Senate Committee on foreign relations would look into the

$ 900,000 deal with Venable LLP, one of the top 100 law and lobby firms in the United States. Santiago’s committee was supposed to look into the foreign aspect of the Venable contract if such needs an international agreement that would require the ratification of two-thirds of the Senate.

 

Her staff said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales and Foreign affairs secretary Alberto Romulo had confirmed their attendance but the feisty senator at the last minute cancelled the hearing to give way to Palace request.

 

A highly placed source said Sen. Santiago complied with Malacañang’s appeal being an ally of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration at the Upper House. But Santiago said the committee cancelled the hearing because the resource persons were not available on short notice.

 

“ The Senate is not a place for Santiago. In the first place she is not a lawmaker, a stateswoman or patriotic element in the society. She is Ms Arroyo’s dearly beloved puppet in the August Chamber masquerading as a lawmaker and a self-proclaimed constitutional expert, nothing more, nothing less,” Pamalakaya’s Hicap added.

 

Sen. Santiago yesterday attended a meeting between President Arroyo and members of the Legislative-Executive Development Council (Ledac) in Malacañang Palace together with Senate President Franklin Drilon and Sen. Francis Pangilinan –who earlier called for the president’s resignation, Senate President Pro Tempore Juan Flavier, Senators Manuel Villar, Mar Roxas II and Ralph Recto.

 

Pamalakaya also berated the Malacañang appeal to Senate to cancel all the scheduled probes this week, arguing that President Arroyo is being rattled of the successive investigations by the Senate.

 

“ The Palace is now applying the whip of de facto Martial Law to compel senators to toe the Macapagal-Arroyo line of thinking and march. The Senate must challenge and defeat any political game plan of Ms Arroyo that would convert Senate into another slaughterhouse like the House of JdV,” the group said.

 

The upper chamber is set investigate a number of controversies hounding the Macapagal-Arroyo administration like the Venable LLP deal, the Northrail project, the Hello Garci wiretapping scandal and the raid on the house of opposition document expert Segundo Tabayoyong. #

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 04:00 | link | comments |

PNP chief is a political bully, bullshit, says leftist group

Pamalakaya slams bogus policy to protect silent majority

PNP chief is a political bully, bullshit, says leftist group

 

“ The country’s chief of national police is both a political bully and political bullshit. He is a modern-day Adolf Hitler or Benito Mussolini, two of Europe’s most detested fascist rulers and dictators in the 20^th century,” said Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap in a statement.

 

The leftist leader issued the scathing remarks against Director General Arturo Lomibao, a day after the Philippine National Chief (PNP) chief declared on Monday that police forces all over the country would implement the “ policy to protect the silent majority from the tyranny of the minority”.

 

Lomibao’s directive came shortly after the PNP leadership announced yesterday that reassignment of Senior Supt. Jovito Gutierrez, the Makati Police Chief for the last five years. The move was widely perceived as politically motivated since Supt. Gutierrez was closely identified with Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, a staunch anti-Arroyo politician and chair of the United Opposition (UNO).

 

“ This is ridiculous, a throwback to the Dark Ages and more brutal than ex-President Ferdinand Marcos US-backed dictatorship and martial rule,” Hicap added referring to the latest directive ordering the 100,000 strong PNP to effect arrest against protesters conducting rallies especially on major thoroughfares where traffic could be impeded, even if they have permit to show to police authorities.

 

“ Excuse me Mr. Lomibao, we don’t stage rallies to obstruct traffic but to advocate for truth, justice and genuine democracy. It is Mr. Lomibao, his principal President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and their company of extra-ordinary fascists and bullies who are suppressing the truth and repressing the people fighting state terror and repression,” Hicap stressed.

 

Hicap said PNP’s Lomibao’s policy clearly bans all rallies whether these rallies are approved or not by local government units authorized to issue permits for mass actions. He said the country’s police chief proposal was an offshoot of the proposal of Department of Justice (DoJ) secretary Raul Gonzales for Malacañang to revoke even permits issued to organizers of protest actions against the government.

 

Pamalakaya said the PNP’s bogus and Marcosian like policy is inviting the political activists, civil libertarians, patriotic forces and the Filipino public to bring their protests right at the doorstep of the national police headquarters in Quezon City.

 

“ Perhaps, it would be a wonderful idea to stage daily if not frequent protests at the main gate of the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame just to remind Lomibao and other pro-Arroyo police generals in the PNP that their days are numbered if they insist in bullying and terrorizing the people in the name of Ms Arroyo’s  immoral political ambition to stay till 2010,” the group added.

 

The PNP chief said, “ In the past, we used to close streets just to allow people to have rallies.  But this time, that cannot be done anymore. We are in a democratic society and the rule of majority is always upheld, and we cannot allow  the so-called tyranny of the minority to rule over the big majority.

 

But Pamalakaya invoked the recent survey of Social Weather Station (SWS) to disprove Lomibao’s assertion that the PNP was upholding the collective interest and sentiment of the majority of the Filipino people. 

 

“ For Mr. Lomibao’s information, 75 percent of the Filipino people want President Arroyo to face an impeachment trial, 64 percent want the Chief Executive to resign and 51 percent favors People Power as a political mode to remove the corrupt, cheat and anti-people president from power. The chief of PNP is running in circle to fool the country’s police force and the Filipino public in general in the name of his political benefactor,” the group added. #

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 09:43 | link | comments |

Oscar award-winning actress Jessica Lange denounces killing of Nestle union leader

Oscar award-winning actress Jessica Lange denounces killing of Nestle union leader

1994 Academy Award winner for Best Actress Jessica Lange on Monday signed a petition condemning the assassination of labor leader Diosdado Fortuna, president of Nestle Union in Laguna.

According to Pamalakaya information officer Gerry Albert Corpuz, Ms Lange, who won an Oscar best actress trophy for film Blue Sky in 1994 as mentally disturbed wife of a military officer, signed the Philippine petition addressed to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Peter Brabeck, Chief Executive Officer of Nestle, Switzerland.

" The breaking news was e-mailed to us by Gabriela International Network. Ms Lange signed the petition during the anti-US war on Iraq rally in Washington D.C attended by over 500,000 anti-war and anti-imperialist protesters," Corpuz said.

" This is highly commendable and we thank Ms Lange for her political support to the cause of the Filipino workers fighting for labor rights, justice and class emancipation," Pamalakaya's Corpuz asserted.

Corpuz said Ms Lange's advocacy for the slain labor leader could help popularize the issue and mobilize millions of Fil-Americans and Filipino migrants all over the United States to achieve truth and justice for the murdered labor leader by elements of military death squad.

" We will spread the good news about Ms Lange's activism and concern for Ka Fort and the Filipino workers in general. This would inspire many people here and abroad to work hard in the name of Ka Fort's political legacy for truth, justice and class emancipation," Corpuz added.

Corpuz, a self-confessed fan of Lange said the actress first came to Hollywood fame by landing a leading role in Dino de Laurenti's King Kong in 1976. She was first noticed  as serious actress for her performance in 1979 movie All That Jazz and got raves for her performance in Bob Rafelson's The Postman Always Ring Twice in 1981 opposite multi-academy award winner Jack Nicholson.

She also won an Oscar Best suporting actress award in 1982 for her performance in Sydney Pollack's Tootsie opposite Dustin Hoffman. Other memorable films of Lange include Sweet Dreams (1985), Music Box ( 1989) and Martin Scorsese's Cape Fear in 1991 opposite Robert de Niro and Nick Nolte.

Ms Lange, an anti-US war activist, delivered a fiery speech against the US invasion of Iraq at the anti-war mobilization in Washington D.C, said Corpuz, quoting report of Gabriela international spokesperson Ninotchka Rosca.

The petition that was signed by Ms Lange reads " we protest the assassination of Diosdado " Ka Fort" Fortuna, president of the union Nestle workers called Union of Filpro Employees- Drug, Food and Allied Industries. We call on Brebeck to resolve the three-year old labor dispute at the plant.  We call on the de facto President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to investigate reports that members of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Police carried out this murder. We call on both to respect human, civil and labor rights- without which there is only barbaric fascism."

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 06:23 | link | comments |

Leftist group told Ermita: Explain alleged existence of Cabinet backed Death Squad

Leftist group told Ermita:  Explain alleged
existence of Cabinet backed Death Squad

 

Staunch critics of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo belonging to activist fisherfolk group Pamalakaya on Monday pressed Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to break his silence on allegations that a group of Cabinet members, which he heads, is maintaining Death Squad to liquidate personalities identified with the legal leftist movement in the country.

 

“ Is it true that Ermita and the Macapagal-Arroyo national security mafia in Malacañang are in charge of assassinating aboveground and leftist leaders and personalities? The Little President seems to have big knowledge of the Death Squad operations all over the country,” Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in a press statement.

 

“ The Macapagal-Arroyo government is not only banning the legitimate expression of people’s right to speech, assembly and organizations through its Marcosian calibrated repression campaign, it is also employing gun-toting and gun firing policy against leaders and mass activists of anti-Arroyo groups,” Hicap stressed.

 

Aside from Sec. Ermita, other members of the Oversight Committee on Internal Security like National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, Department of National Defense (DND) Atty. Avelino Cruz, Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, AFP Chief of Staff  Gen. Senga and PNP National Police chief Arturo Lomibao were also told to shed light on the alleged existence of the Cabinet backed military death squad.

 

Pamalakaya’s Hicap voiced out their concern after the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) human rights monitoring committee on Sunday said the summary execution on Sept. 22 of labor leader Diosdado Fortuna, union president of Nestle by motorcycle riding hitmen has it roots way back the elections of 1987 when Ermita, then Deputy chief for operations of the AFP introduced the same pattern to assassinate candidates and supporters of the leftist political party Partido ng Bayan.

 

“ Sec. Ermita and members of the Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security should break their silence if there is truth to reports about the existence of this shadowy group that is tasked by the committee to assassinate or murder aboveground personalities belonging to progressive and militant organizations,” the militant leader said.

 

Hicap added: “ The allegations that Cabinet Oversight Committee maintains a Death Squad to spearhead systematic political killings of leaders of left-leaning groups is a serious concern that merits a full-blown inquiry.”

 

The NDFP on Sunday accused Sec. Ermita of masterminding the assassination of leaders and activists of progressive party list groups and organizations since the start of this year. In a statement signed by Fidel Agcaoili, chair of the NDFP human rights monitoring committee, the group said the gangland-style killings were executed by military and police assassins, which had also victimized other Bayan and Bayan Muna leaders like Atty. Norman Bocar of Eastern Visayas and Pastor Raul Domingo of Palawan. u

 

 

It also said the summary execution of Fortuna by motorcycle riding men was similar  to how political killings of leftist leaders and activists in Northern and Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Eastern and Western Visayas were carried out said regions.

 

The NDFP said the systematic killings are made to appear random but actually premeditated with pre-selected targets and timetable carried out by teams of trained assassins of the military and police. Reports reveal that more than 50 activists and leaders of progressive organizations and party lists have been assassinated since the start of 2005.  #

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 01:01 | link | comments |

Leftist group eyes PGMA in hot seat over Venable LLP deal probe

Why wait for national security adviser to speak if Gloria can do the job?

Leftist group eyes PGMA in hot seat over Venable LLP deal probe

 

If the security adviser can’t speak for his own, let his principal do the work for him.

 

With this proposal in mind, the left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Monday urged Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Sen. Joker Arroyo to summon President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to testify before the committee on the controversial Venable LLP deal.

 

Pamalakaya advanced the proposal after National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales failed to answer questions and landed in a hospital for hypertension due to intense grilling by lawmakers on the controversial law and lobby deal.

 

“ There’s no law or whatever rules that would stop Senate from inviting President Arroyo for questioning on the controversial Venable LLP deal. First, Ms Arroyo cannot invoke her immunity from suit since this is a plain and simple investigation in aid of legislation, says Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap in a press statement.

 

Hicap added:  “ Second, NSA Gonzales told the people that he was instructed by the President to sign the secret consultancy contract in the name of the president and the Republic and third, there was a Senate precedent, when former President Fidel V. Ramos during his incumbency appeared in a senate inquiry at the height of the PEA-Amari deal controversy.”

 

The militant leader said”  If Ramos can do it, why can’t Gloria? She is the real point person and the mastermind in the Venable LLP deal in conspiracy with the executives of the Baltimore-based law and lobby consultancy group and Secretary Gonzales was just a bit player, a fall guy and front act in this illicit game of lies and deception.”

 

Hicap said while NSA Gonzales said he had no written authority from President Arroyo, he assumed he had it when President Arroyo gave him the permission to get a lobby group . The leftist leader said Gonzales act was sanctioned and guaranteed by Malacañang.

 

“ The Senate will get nothing from NSA Gonzales since he is the fall guy. It would be productive if it invites President Arroyo, the main man in this P 50 million controversy. We cannot wait for Gonzales to finish his dirty tricks and antics just to arrive at the truth. The truth about the Venable LLP deal is a matter of national interest to the country,” he said.

 

Pamalakaya expressed optimism that Senators Drilon and Arroyo this time, they won’t not turn down their request to have Ms Arroyo invited in the Venable probe following NSA Gonzales refusal to answer the senators’ questions on the controversial deal. “ Let President Arroyo speak for the mess she created at the expense of national interest and the taxpaying public. Let the real star of the show face the music,” the group added.

 

Earlier, Pamalakaya had asked the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to invite Venable LLP executives Atty. James Pitts and Atty. James George Jatras to shed light on the issue. The two lawyers signed the agreement on behalf of the law and lobby firm with NSA Gonzales on the part of the Philippine government.

 

But Arroyo and Drilon rejected the proposal saying the two Venable LLP executives were not at fault and the government has no jurisdiction on the law and lobby firm, unless the two executives are working within the country’s territory. #

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 01:00 | link | comments |

Leftist group refines slogan from Oust GMA to Oust GMA dictatorship, begins calling Ms Arroyo a dictator

Leftist group refines slogan from Oust GMA to Oust GMA dictatorship, begins calling Ms Arroyo a dictator

 

Starting next week, the left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) will change its anti-Arroyo slogan from “ Oust GMA to Oust GMA dictatorship”.

 

“ President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has revived the Marcos dictatorship both in flesh and in spirit. This nation of 84 million Filipinos is now under de facto Martial Law under the stewardship of a female dictator in the person of Ms Arroyo. We have to start popularizing the “ Oust GMA dictatorship slogan and begin calling Ms Arroyo a dictator,” Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in a press statement.

 

However, Hicap said the Oust Gloria or GMA slogan would still be used because it is also popular with the public and was not a deviation from the new slogan the group would popularize starting next week and in the forthcoming anti-Arroyo mass actions in the National Capital Region.

 

During the commemoration of the 33^rd year anniversary of Martial Law in Ayala last week, Pamalakaya and allied groups Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Amihan-National Federation of Peasant Women and Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) used 60 placards containing the slogan: People Power vs. Gloria, Panahon Na!

 

“ Political slogans should capture the political situation. The situation states that we are under undeclared Martial Law and so the right attitude and propaganda is to remove or oust the Arroyo dictatorship currently in de facto form,” Hicap asserted.

 

Pamalakaya said Malacañang Palace had officially declared “ undeclared Martial Law” on September 21, 2005, 33 years after the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial rule all over the country when it announced the calibrated preemptive policy last week to stop protests against the government.

 

The said the reported presidential proclamation drafted by the Department of Justice, which stops short of a declaration of Martial Law would just formalize the announcement by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on calibrated preemptive strike in lieu of maximum of tolerance last Wednesday. “ The GMA dictatorship could be held liable for the gross violation of the 1987 Constitution and the political massacre of people’s civil and political rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights provision of the 18-year old charter,” Pamalakaya stressed.

 

Pamalakaya, together with allied organizations Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Amihan-National Federation of Peasant Women, Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, Sentro Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (Sentra) and National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates (Nnara) are set to challenge the constitutionality of Ermita’s calibrated response.

 

The groups are now consulting their lawyers in preparations for the petition they would file before the end of this month to the Supreme Court in challenging the constitutionality of the Palace order on calibrated response.

 

“ We will not allow the Arroyo gangland in Malacañang to reverse history’s verdict on Martial Law. Who are they to challenge the verdict of the people against any form of authoritarian rule? The attempt of the Arroyo camp to curtail basic and fundamental rights as guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution and collective wisdom of the people will be crushed by people fighting state terrorism and repression,” Pamalakaya asserted. #

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 02:03 | link | comments |

Pamalakaya 13 snubs NBI invitation to shed light on barge blockade

Pamalakaya 13 snubs NBI invitation to shed light on barge blockade

It’s all Sec. Defensor’s fault, says leftist fisherfolk alliance

 

Pamalakaya-Bulacan chairperson Ricardo “ Boy” de Armas and 12 other fishermen invited by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to explain their side on the complaint of Navotas Mayor Tobias Tiangco regarding the blocking of barges loaded with garbage on the Binuangan River since April did not attend the scheduled hearings on Sept. 21 and 22.

 

The NBI investigation was scheduled on Sept. 21 and 22, but upon the advice of their lawyers, the 13 fisherfolk activists did not show up in protest of Navotas Mayor Tiangco’s allegations that they committed acts of illegal activities tantamount to hijacking, kidnapping or robbery by blocking the barge of the garbage contractor---Philippine Ecology Systems Incorporated or PHILECO. 

 

“ Our lawyers told us to skip the hearings because they are questionable. The intervention of NBI on the case is highly questionable and Navotas Mayor Tiangco’s allegations against us are purely political harassment and character assassination in nature,” de Armas told reporters who attended the press conference jointly sponsored by Pamalakaya and Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment.

 

De Armas gamely joined Pamalakaya national chairperson Fernando Hicap and Clemente Bautista of Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment in eating several bananas in front of the media to neutralize his hypertension both physically and politically brought about by Mayor Tiangco’s latest move involving the NBI on the Navotas dumpsite issue.

 

“ How can we hijack, kidnap or rob a barge which is as tall as one of the buildings in Ayala? Give us a break,” de Armas told reporters. 

 

Pamalakaya’s Hicap and Kalikasan’s Clemente blamed Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Michael Defensor’s failure to address the ongoing squabble between Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco and Obando fisherfolk and residents over the controversial Navotas Controlled Disposal Facility (NDCF) facility.

 

“ It’s all Secretary Defensor’s fault. His office promised fisherfolk and residents of Obando that they would close the garbage disposal facility in July this year. But they reneged their commitment and extended the operation till end of 2005,” Hicap said.

 

 

 

“ Where is justice in this world? What Pamalakaya 13 did was to prevent this Trojan Horse-like barge from dumping the corporate garbage of Manila and Navotas which had caused massive loss of livelihood, ecological disaster and health hazards to the fishermen and residents of Obando,” Kalikasan said.

 

Those summoned by the NBI aside from de Armas were brother Sonny de Armas and Pamalakaya activists’ Celso Balasta, Obet Calbadores, Orlando de Vera, Adriano del Rosario, Racelito San Diego, Rey Silangan, Nading dela Cruz, Arthur Burgos, Isidro dela Cruz, Cecilio Alcantara and Virgilio del Rosario.

 

Last Tuesday, the barge used by the garbage contractor Philippine Ecology Systems Corporation (PHILECO) tried to pass through the Binuangan River in Obando, Bulacan but was blocked by 20 motorized bancas operated by fisherfolk residents.

 

Immediately after the incident, subpoenas signed by Wycoco and NBI lawyer Atty. Nestor Mantaring were handed out to fisherfolk leaders allegedly leading the human barricade against the passage of PHILECO barge to and from the Navotas dumpsite.

 

On September 9, Tiangco filed a petition before the Regional Trial Court, Third Judicial Region in Malolos City, Bulacan asking the court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the municipal government and residents of Obando from enforcing resolutions and ordinances, including the blocking of PHILECO barges to and from the Navotas dumpsite citing its irreparable damage to the garbage contractor and the municipality of Navotas.

 

But on September 13, the RTC Branch 15 in Malolos City denied the petition of Mayor Tiangco for TRO stressing that the petitioner failed to present evidence proving his right to be protected by way of a TRO. 

 

The court said “ It has not been shown that the petitioner, the municipality of Navotas represented by its Mayor will suffer irreparable damages and injuries should the act of the complained of be not restrained but PHILECO. It is basic for the issuance of TRO to be proper, the right of the movant petitioner must be clear and unmistakable and there is an urgent and paramount necessity for the writ to prevent serious damage”.  # # #

 

 

 

 

                                   

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 02:02 | link | comments |

Pinoy Big Brother wants GMA evicted in soonest time possible

Pinoy Big Brother wants GMA evicted in soonest time possible

US now hunting for Gloria replacement, leftist group says

 

The left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Wednesday said the United States is now looking for the possible replacement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but the short list did not include Vice-President Noli de Castro, whom it thought would only do further damage to the present political and economic situation.

 

In a press statement, Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said the series of reports authored and submitted by former US Charge’ de Affaires Joseph Mussomeli to the Federal Bureau of Investigation from April to July this year reflected Washington’s disappointment with the leadership of Ms Arroyo and willingness to let go her together with Vice President Noli de Castro.

 

The leftist leader said the Mussomeli reports reflected Washington’s view that Ms Arroyo and VP de Castro were no longer capable of carrying out US imposed policies and interests in the country due to controversies hounding the present administration including the unresolved cases of election fraud, the massive graft and corruption,  the jueteng payola scandal and the discovery of several secret contracts with Venable LLP and other American law and lobby firms.

 

“ In reality, Pinoy Big Brother practically wants  Palace political mates Ms Arroyo and VP de Castro evicted from Malacañang. While it is true that is now applying pressure to both Ms Arroyo and VP de Castro to vacate their posts, the US at the same time is scouting for possible or potential political talents that would replace their abandoned horses in the very near future,” Hicap said.

 

Hicap added: “ The Mussomeli reports by design and by orientation merely declared the presidential position open to all presidential wannabes who want to replace Ms Arroyo, but Washington wants this bunch of presidential successors to prove that they are worthy of White House support.”

 

Pamalakaya said the July 16 report prepared by Mussomeli depicting VP de Castro as inept in both domestic and foreign policy issues was the start of the “ selection process” as to who among the present batch of political wannabes is qualified to takeover Ms Arroyo’s position in case the latter is forced to step down or relinquish her post.

 

“ VP de Castro did not pass the standard of puppetry set by Washington. That is the essence of the July 16 Mussomeli report. The US Embassy in Manila together with their unseen and unnamed operatives in the country are working double time to look for the possible successor of Ms Arroyo in vain attempt to disenfranchise the growing movement calling for the ouster of  both Ms Arroyo and VP de Castro and for establishment of transition council,” the group said.

 

Earlier,  retired Navy Commodore Rex Robles, president of the security risk management consultancy RCR, warned that the series of US Embassy reports on military coups could be the start of long-drawn US pressure for the credible resolution of the election fraud against President Arroyo.

 

Robles said he expects more revelations and actions from the US side that would continue to pressure the Macapagal-Arroyo administration to set things right. #

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 03:07 | link | comments (4) |

NBI probes 13 fisherfolk activists for blocking barge-carrying garbage to Navotas dumpsite

Pamalakaya deplores harassment

NBI probes 13 fisherfolk activists for blocking barge-carrying garbage to Navotas dumpsite

 

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will begin today the investigation on the alleged criminal and civil offenses committed by 13 fisherfolk activists in Obando, Bulacan, who allegedly blocked a barge carrying tons of garbage to the Navotas Controlled Disposal Facility yesterday.

 

The 13 fisherfolk militants belonging the left-leaning Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) were subpoenaed yesterday by NBI Director General Wilfredo Wycoco to appear before the anti-kidnapping, hijacking and robbery division of the investigation bureau to give to shed light on the complaint of Navotas Mayor Tobias Tiangco, one of the proponents of the controversial dumpsite—the subject of the three-year old fight between the office of Tiangco and the residents of Obando.

 

Those who were summoned by the NBI to appear for an investigation today and tomorrow were activists Ricardo “ Boy” de Armas, chair of Pamalakaya-Bulacan and members Sonny de Armas, Celso Balasta, Obet Calbadores, Orlando de Vera, Adriano del Rosario, Racelito San Diego, Rey Silangan, Nading dela Cruz, Arthur Burgos, Isidro dela Cruz, Cecilio Alcantara and Virgilio del Rosario.

 

“ This is terrible. What happened last Tuesday was a legitimate expression of People Power in defense of the environment and the common folk’s livelihood from the corporate attack of a moneymaking company. Now, Mayor Tiangco wants to criminalize this political act through the help of another oppressive institution for the sake of his narrow interests,” said Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap in a press statement.

 

“ Why they were brought to NBI? They did not kidnap the barge. They did not hijack the barge or robbed the garbage inside the barge. Where in heaven’s name Mayor Tiangco and Gen. Wycoco got their idea that the small fisherfolk committed the following criminal offenses? They are moving heaven and earth to make our fisherfolk appear like criminals and terrorists” Hicap decried.

 

Yesterday, the barge used by the garbage contractor Philippine Ecology Systems Corporation (PHILECO) tried to pass through the Binuangan River in Obando, Bulacan but was blocked by 20 motorized bancas operated by fisherfolk residents.

 

Immediately after the incident, subpoenas signed by Wycoco and NBI lawyer Atty. Nestor Mantaring were handed out to fisherfolk leaders allegedly leading the human barricade against the passage of PHILECO barge to and from the Navotas dumpsite.

 

Pamalakaya said Mayor Tiangco’s decision to bring his complaint to the NBI was a very desperate act after the continuous human barricade put up by Obando fishermen and residents forced PHILECO barges to stop from entering the Binuangan River since April this year.

 

On September 9, Tiangco filed a petition before the Regional Trial Court, Third Judicial Region in Malolos City, Bulacan asking the court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the municipal government and residents of Obando from enforcing resolutions and ordinances, including the blocking of PHILECO barges to and from the Navotas dumpsite citing its irreparable damage to the garbage contractor and the municipality of Navotas.

 

But on September 13, the RTC Branch 15 in Malolos City denied the petition of Mayor Tiangco for TRO stressing that the petitioner failed to present evidence proving his right to be protected by way of a TRO. 

 

The court said “ It has not been shown that the petitioner, the municipality of Navotas represented by its Mayor will suffer irreparable damages and injuries should the act of the complained of be not restrained but PHILECO. It is basic for the issuance of TRO to be proper, the right of the movant petitioner must be clear and unmistakable and there is an urgent and paramount necessity for the writ to prevent serious damage”.  # # #

 

 

 

 

                            

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 03:05 | link | comments |

NFA’s ‘Text complaint’ campaign, a sham - Leftist group

NFA’s ‘Text complaint’ campaign, a sham - Leftist group

 

The left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Sunday assailed the campaign of the National Food Authority (NFA) messaging service (SMS) campaign aptly billed as “ Text NFA” as a response to growing concerns from farmers regarding pricing issues of agricultural produce.

 

“ This is a big joke. The NFA knows poor farmers are financially incapacitated to purchase even the cheapest cellphone unit in town. They would rather spend their remaining pesos for food and other necessities rather than acquire a cellphone and buy load,” says Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap in a press statement.

 

Hicap dismissed the NFA campaign as sham and money making scheme organized by Malacañang and communication companies like Smart and Globe, which are expected to rake additional hundreds of millions of pesos in total profits from farmer texters across the country.

 

“ The NFA is tasked to procure a substantial volume of palay produced by our small farmers by at least 25 percent of the total palay production every year and buy it at a price determined by peasant associations and not to encourage farmers to buy cellphone and loads just for the campaign. It is a very crazy idea worthy of national condemnation,” Hicap added.

 

The protest lodged by the militant group against the NFA “ Text complaint” campaign came at the heels of the agency’s plan to increase the price it is selling to the public from P 16 per kilo to P 18.50 per kilo or an increase of 15.6 percent, as well as jack up the price of well-milled rice from P 18 per kilo to P 19.50 per kilo to reduce NFA trading losses incurred from the sale of rice.

 

“ Where in heaven’s name did the NFA get their idea that millions of small farmers in the country would subscribe to their campaign that they would send their complaints to NFA through text SMS? The NFA is moving heaven and earth to make Smart and Globe richer by additional hundreds of millions or even billions in total profits,” Hicap stressed.

 

Pamalakaya said as far as farmers’ complaints to the NFA are concerned, they are religiously sent to agency from the national level down to regional, provincial and municipal offices of the NFA. The group said the NFA offices all over the country are frequently barraged with complaints concerning the agencies’ incapacity to procure the produce of palay farmers and the demands for higher prices for agricultural produce.

 

“ For instance, the demand of palay farmers in Cagayan Valley, Ilocos region, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog to raise the price of per kilo of palay from P 12 to P 15 had been snubbed by the Macapagal-Arroyo government and the NFA since 2001,” the group said.

 

Pamalakaya called on Department of Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban and NFA Administrator Gregorio Tan to immediately scrap the NFA Text Complaint campaign adding that it was a big sham and a top-level money making campaign among the top executives of Malacañang in conspiracy with cellphone companies and communication corporations like Smart and Globe.

 

The proponents of the “Text NFA campaign” will use one number (+639176210927) for all complaints, suggestions and other inquiries to the NFA.  Six top NFA executives are tapped to entertain and reply to text messages. They would assure that a reply would be sent to the farmer texter within the first 24 hours from time of sending. NFA said the SMS service will allow farmers to air their complaints against unscrupulous traders from overpricing agricultural products, particularly rice, as well as diversion of stocks of agricultural produce. #

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 05:46 | link | comments |

Leftist group wants US diplomat in hot seat over US spy work in RP

Lacson, Pimentel, Golez and Escudero asked to initiate probe on US spy activities

Leftist group wants US diplomat in hot seat over US spy work in RP

For admitting that the US government is conducting spy work in the Philippines to help his government get better understanding of the political situation in the country, the left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) wants lawmakers to grill US Charge d’ Affaires Darryl Johnson.

The high ranking US diplomat confessed yesterday that the US analyses of the political situation in the Philippines are considered confidential information and passed it as normal procedures for the American government.

But Pamalakaya, which frequently stage bayside and fluvial protest rallies near the US Embassy in Manila said while it is normal for a certain country to understand the political situation of another country in the spirit of international solidarity, the US maintained classified information about the Philippines for covert and overt plans to undermine the national sovereignty and collective interest of the people.

“ The massive extent of US intelligence gathering in the country is not only providing Washington occupants a complete grasp of the present political situation in the country. It is giving them the idea on how to formulate economic, political and military strategies that would keep this nation of 84 million people an eternal hostage of the White House company in Washington D.C,” said Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya national chair in a press statement.

Hicap said instead of ganging up on members of opposition camp who have acknowledged that they had received from e-mails from either former police Supt. Michael Ray Aquino or Filipino-American Leandro Aragoncillo, an intelligence analyst at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, pro-Arroyo lawmakers should re-direct their efforts on how to stop US intelligence work in the country that had undermined the country’s domestic affairs since the colonial era.

For a start, Pamalakaya’s Hicap urged House Minority Leader Francis Escudero and Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez and opposition senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Panfilo Lacson to initiate a separate or joint congressional hearing to investigate the extent of US spying in the country in aid of legislation.

“ Let us put the US Charge d’ Affaires Darryl Johnson in the hot seat. He has admitted that the US had been spying on RP and had put gathered information in the classification box of the FBI. We believe that the US government committed a gross violation of the country’s national sovereignty and had done a major political foul play on 84 million Filipinos,” Hicap asserted.

The militant leader said Escudero, Golez, Lacson and Pimentel should assert the country’s sovereign rights in compelling Johnson to appear before any separate or joint congressional hearing probing the extent of US spy work in the country in aid of legislation.

“ Johnson must come if subpoena by Congress and our lawmakers should invoke the country’s sovereign rights to have him grilled for such purpose. We cannot allow this Washington-bred political animal to dictate and impose his will on us,” Hicap added.

Pamalakaya said Reps. Escudero and Golez and Senators Lacson and Pimentel are highly obliged to initiate the probe on US spy activities and instead of allowing allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in both houses of Congress to pin down the opposition camp on the controversy.

Ex-President Joseph Estrada along with Lacson, Pimentel and Lacson were among alleged Philippine officials who got information from either Aquino or Aragoncillo about the FBI confidential report regarding the political situation in the Philippines. #

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 10:08 | link | comments |

Oil drilling in Tañon Strait reduces fish catch by 80 percent, environmental mission shows

Oil drilling in Tañon Strait reduces fish catch by 80 percent, environmental mission shows

The left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Friday said the ongoing oil exploration in Tañon Strait, a protected seascape separating the islands of Cebu and Negros drastically reduced fish catch production by an average of 80 percent since May this year.

The Department of Energy (DoE) has recently awarded a 7-year oil and gas exploration contract to Forum Exploration Incorporated of Canada and Japanese Petroleum Exploration (Japex) to tap the potential 1 billion barrels of oil reserves in the protected seascape between Cebu and Negros provinces.

“ From an average of 20-30 kilos of fish catch a day, small fisherfolk are now only catching an average of 3 to 5 kilos a day since the joint oil exploration kicked off last May,” said Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap, one of the participants in the Environmental Investigative Mission (EIM) from September 9 to 12.

He said prior to oil exploration, small fisherfolk had been earning an average of P 1,500 a day but when Forum and Japex started oil drilling in May, daily income fall to an average of P 150 to P 250 a day.

This case mainly applies to small fisherfolk employing motorized boats. Those employing non-motorized bancas for fishing luckily get a kilo of two from a high of six kilos during the pre-exploration period.

Hicap warned: “ The impact is so disturbing and disastrous. This great chase for oil and gas deposits by transnational monopolies for the sake of monopoly profits would soon trigger a severe fish crisis in the next five to ten years judging from the initial feedback we gathered from subsistence fishermen in Cebu.”

The EIM team disputed claims by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia that consultations with small fisherfolk and other affected residents were conducted prior to oil exploration. The group said even local government units were not consulted about the project.

“ The only official communication we got from the provincial government was that starting May, all of our subsistence fisherfolk would be banned from fishing near the exploration site and that they would be fined with a considerable amount of money if they are caught fishing near the exploration area,” Pamalakaya said.

Its provincial chapter Pamana-Sugbo together with Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center (FIDEC), Cebu Relief and Rehabilitation Center, Cebu Fisherfolk and Farmers Alliance (CEFFA) and 100 students of Cebu Normal University initiated the mission.

The mission was conducted in several coastal barangays in three fishing towns of Cebu—Toledo City, Pinamungajan and Aloguinsan, all located near the oil and gas exploration site in Tañon Strait.

Pamalakaya’s Hicap said aside from decrease in fish catch production, regular occurrences of fish kills were documented in the coastal barangays of Brgy. Luray II, Brgy. Calong Calong, Brgy. Ibo, Brgy. Bato and Brgy. Sto. Niño in Toledo City, Brgy. Tajao, Brgy. Pandacan and Brgy. Tutay in Pinamungajan town and Brgy. Cantabogon, Brgy. Boho, Brgy. Poblacion and Brgy. Bonbon in Aloguinsan town.

Defensor asked to revoke CNC issued to oil explorer in Cebu Strait

Fearing that the same devastating impact would take place this time in Cebu Strait separating the islands of Cebu and Bohol, Pamalakaya asked Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Michael Defensor to immediately revoke the Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) the department issued to Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp.

“ Secretary Defensor has no choice but to cancel the CNC given to Trans-Asia to avoid a repeat of another economic and environmental disaster. As if he has a choice. Failure on the part of Sec. Defensor to cancel exploration permits in Tañon and Cebu straits would spark  a fisherfolk-led revolt in Cebu, Bohol and Negros islands,” Pamalakaya added.

On March 18, 2005, the DENR  Regional Office in Central Visayas issued the CNC allowing said oil exploration group to conduct 2D Marine Seismic survey for oil and gas exploration in South Cebu Strait covering 250 kilometers.

DENR region VII Director Jun Erasmo Villafañe and William Cuñado, Chief of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the DENR, signed the CNC. The DoE formally endorsed the project on July 18, 2005 through Director Ranilo Abando of the Energy Resources Development Bureau. #

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 10:06 | link | comments |

Senate probe GMA’s “Mother of All Junket” trip in New York sought

50 to 60 pro-Arroyo congressmen, governors in Arroyo’s company

Senate probe GMA’s “Mother of All Junket” trip in New York sought

 

The militant fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Thursday urged senators to investigate President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “ Mother of All Junket Trip” after a news report came out that 50 to 60 pro-Arroyo lawmakers and governors accompanied the Chief Executive on her three-day visit to the United Nations.

 

“ The Senate is politically and lawfully obliged to unearth the controversy hounding Ms Arroyo’s junket trip in New York City. Where in heaven’s name did President Arroyo get the idea that is was morally and politically correct to send a big contingent to UN meeting at the expense of the Filipino taxpayers’ money?,” said Pamalakaya information officer Gerry Albert Corpuz in a press statement.

 

Corpuz said the Senate would be the most logical and appropriate body to undertake the investigation since not a single senator was invited to join Malacañang’s delegation to the UN Summit and that the issue was widely viewed by the public “ treat” to congressmen and governors who all supported the dismissal of all impeachment complaints against the President.

 

“ Senators should not ignore the issue that is largely criticized by public opinion as grand waste of people’s money for the grand political celebration of the Macapagal-Arroyo camp in connection with the political slaughter of the impeachment complaints against the President. This should be addressed in soonest time possible,” he said. Corpuz added: : Will the Senate allow the political eyeball among the impeachment killers in the Big Apple at the expense of truth and justice and courtesy of the Filipino taxpayers’ money?”

 

The group’s information chief said while millions of Filipino people are very much preoccupied in trying to make both ends meet and pursue other austerity measures due to the economic crisis engulfing the country, President Arroyo and her “ dearly beloved congressmen and governors” were spending millions of public funds and living like modern day aristocrats and oligarchs in the Big Apple.

 

“ This is terrible and highly condemnable. After killing the taxpayers desire to bring Ms Arroyo to an impeachment trial, pro-Arroyo lawmakers are now feasting on the people’s hard-earned taxes courtesy of their political benefactor in Malacañang,” Corpuz said.

 

Pamalakaya’s Corpuz said lower-level Filipino diplomats in charge of transporting the arriving Filipino VIPs and touring them around New York City admitted they have their own list of 50 to 60 congressmen, congresswomen and governors accompanying Ms Arroyo during her three-day UN stint in New York City.

 

 

 

The visitors are billeted at the Hilton Hotel along the Avenue of Americas, where room costs at least 500 US dollars a night. Corpuz said for the accommodation alone the 50-man RP contingent in UN Summit of Leaders would cost taxpayers not less than 75,000 US dollars or roughly P 4.2 million, excluding airfare costs and allowances.

 

“ Ms Arroyo and her gang of New York should disclose how much of taxpayers’ money were spent for this immoral, illogical and demonic trip to the Big Apple. This is unpardonable and grossly insulting to the national interest and collective wisdom of the people,” Pamalakaya added.

 

Pamalakaya said if the government allots 5,000 US dollars per RP delegation to the UN Summit of Leaders in New York including transportation costs and allowances, the government would spend not less than 250,000 US dollars or roughly 14 million pesos, excluding hotel accommodations and other expenses. 

 

Last Tuesday, a group of more than 10 congressmen and congresswomen- all voted against the impeachment complaint against Ms Arroyo arrived in New York City. The delegation included Rep. Anthony Miranda of Isabela, Rep. Carmelita Villarosa of Mindoro Oriental, Herminia Ramiro of Misamis Occidental and Danilo Suarez of Quezon.

 

The governors who joined Ms Arroyo’s junket trip to UN include staunch GMA allies Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, Erico Aumentado of Bohol, Raymond Villafuerte of Camarines Sur and Leandro Verceles of Catanduanes.  Expected to arrive today in New York are Pampanga representatives Reynaldo Aquino and Ana York Bondoc and Jesli Lapus of Tarlac. #

 

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 06:29 | link | comments |

Militants warn: Palace opening state university

Militants warn: Palace opening state university
leadership to retiring pro-Arroyo generals

 

The militant group Pamalakaya on Tuesday warned of an avalanche of former military and police generals associated with Malacañang being appointed as presidents of state-run universities across the country following the designation of retiring PNP deputy director general Ricardo de Leon as president of the Mindanao State University, the second largest state university in the country.

 

“ The appointment of de Leon as MSU president could be a prelude to possible appointment of soon-to-retire generals in the Armed Forces and national police for the sake of Malacañang’s national security and the government’s fight against so-called domestic terrorism,” Pamalakaya national  chair Fernando Hicap said in a press statement.

 
He said de Leon’s designation to head the MSU system was a trial balloon and this could be adopted as a policy for political accommodation on retiring military and police generals loyal to President Arroyo.

 

“ If Malacañang passes this test with flying colors, they could do it again, let say in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila where the presidency is currently being rotated among top officials because of the current impasse on search for the new president,” Hicap noted.

 

The appointment of de Leon was confirmed last Saturday by National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, who asserted that the PNP deputy general’s appointment as head of the MSU system was prompted by the need to ‘ clean the mess’ generated by the conflict among the top contenders for the post.

 

“ The appointment of de Leon is a not only an issue of campus militarization and super repression of academic freedom. In layman’s term, it is a throwback to Martial Law both in flesh and in spirit,” Pamalakaya’s Hicap said. 

De Leon’s appointment has been opposed by MSU alumni, career employees and faculty members, arguing that the position was mainly reserved for a civilian and not for a military person like the retiring deputy police general who holds a degree in police and security administration.

“ By orientation and by design,  President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and NSA Gonzales designated de Leon as MSU president to eliminate political activists and stop Ms Arroyo’s critics and activism inside the government-run Mindanao university under the pretext of fighting warlordism, nothing more, nothing less,” Pamalakaya added.

Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. lambasted President Arroyo warning Malacañang on the negative ramifications of making another unpopular appointment like handing over the presidency of MSU system to a military man.

The opposition senator noted that De Leon was not even nominated by the Palace search committee, which screened some 40 contenders to the post, mostly MSU alumni.  The committee reportedly submitted five names with their corresponding performance ratings in panel interviews, academic credentials and work experience.

Those who qualified for the position included Dr. Macapado Muslim ( 94.5%), Dr. Nasroden Guro (87%), Dr. Otinggue Masnar (84.5%), Dr. Datumanong Sarangani (84%) and Justice undersecretary Macabangkit Lanto ( 80%).

Pamalakaya also berated the Department of Education (DepEd) for ignoring the concern raised by the MSU academic system and community against the “ deployment” of de Leon as head of the state university.

 

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 06:28 | link | comments |

Militants tell Reps. Libanan and Baterina:House of Reps. does not represent voice of the people

GMA solons invoked vox populi, vox dei in defending
Congress “ murder” of impeachment raps

Militants tell Reps. Libanan and Baterina:
House of Reps. does not represent voice of the people

 

Rabid critics of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday assailed administration allies Representatives Marcelino Libanan of Eastern Samar and Salacnib Baterina of Ilocos Sur for invoking “ Vox populi, vox dei, the voice of the people is the voice of God” in defending the House of Representatives decision to kill the impeachment complaint against the President.

In a strongly worded statement, Pamalakaya information officer Gerry Albert Corpuz said the individual acts of Libanan and Baterina should be considered as “ Gospel of the underworld” and not as collective interest and national sentiment of the people.

“ For their information, Mr. Libanan and Mr. Baterina do no represent the voice and will of the people. They act at the behest and interest of the ruling political syndicate in Malacañang. They should stop invoking the vox populi, vox dei to cover up and exonerate Ms Arroyo from her crimes against the people,” Corpuz said.

Reps. Libanan and Baterina on Sunday asked members of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to respect the decision of the House of Representatives junking all the impeachment complaints against President Arroyo through a vote of 158- 51 in favor of dismissing the impeachment raps.

The two pro-administration lawmakers are vice-chairs of the House Committee on Justice, which recommended the dismissal of all impeachment complaints against Ms. Arroyo. The House in plenary adopted the committee’s recommendation rejecting move to impeach Ms Arroyo.

“ The September 6 to 7 Batasang Pambansa massacre is one of the biggest crimes of the millennium against the Filipino people, against the people’s quest for truth and justice. The political slaughter of the impeachment raps against Ms Arroyo was done through the gallant but immoral and syndicated efforts of Libanan and Baterina,” Pamalakaya’s Corpuz added.

Baterina said President Arroyo heeded the bishops’ position by submitting herself to the constitutional process and even by reaching out to her detractors in the spirit of unity and reconciliation.  The Ilocos Sur congressman said the Church leaders should respect the overwhelming decision of the House of Representatives in rejecting the impeachment complaints against the President on the basis of the outcome of the hearings of the justice committee and their own consultation s with their constituents.

“ Give us a break! There’s no such thing as House of Representatives of the people and the one that decided to kill the impeachment complaints against Ms Arroyo was the House of Speaker Jose de Venecia and the political condominium of President Arroyo and her political slave occupants,” Pamalakaya added.

Pamalakaya said the brutal murder of the impeachment complaints against Ms Arroyo was enough reason for the bishops to advance a stronger and more progressive position compared to its previous asking Ms Arroyo to submit herself to an impeachment trial or set up a Truth Commission to find the real score concerning allegations against the presidency.

Some 20 to 30 bishops of the CBCP will meet tomorrow to hold a special meeting to reassess their stand on President Arroyo’s continued stay in office according to Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra. The prelate said the special meeting would deal on the present situation to allow the bishops to formulate recommendations for the CBCP permanent council.

The permanent council currently chaired by Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla act as the CBCP decision-making body when the plenary is not in session. The council has the authority to reassess and change the July 10 statement urging Ms Arroyo to have her day in the impeachment court. But since Ms Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives slammed the door to any impeachment trial this year, a number of bishops are contemplating to take a different position.

“ The level of optimism is high. Many are expecting that the prelates would take a more active and radical position this time compared to the July period where the CBCP was still hopeful that Ms Arroyo would submit herself to an impeachment trial and that Malacañang would form a truth body to investigate allegations that Ms Arroyo stole the presidency and was engaged in big crimes of corruption,” Pamalakaya said.

In prodding the bishops to radicalize its’ July 10 statement, Pamalakaya cited the results of Aug.26 to Sept. 5  survey of the Social Weather Station (SWS) showing 79 percent of Filipinos supporting the impeachment trial of Ms Arroyo to proceed, 64 percent wanted the president to resign as soon as possible, while 51 percent approved the staging of another People Power if Ms Arroyo is not impeached.

“ The CBCP is now limited to two political and moral options—ask Ms Arroyo to step down from power or call on the people to go back to the streets and score another giant kill against an anti-people president through another popular uprising,” Pamalakaya said.

Pamalakaya added: “ The Filipino people had spoken on the immediate fate of Ms Arroyo. We expect the bishops to follow the hearts and minds and the collective interest of the people.”  # # #

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 08:57 | link | comments |

Leftist group sees Lakas-CMD as recycled KBL

Gordon’s expose on Subic tradeoff was a Marcos style operation

Leftist group sees Lakas-CMD as recycled KBL

 

Staunch critics of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday said the president’s ruling party Lakas-CMD was a recycled Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL)- the political party of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, which dominated domestic politics at the height of the Martial Law era.

 

“ It is a party of Marcos-bred and Marcos-schooled politicians. It’s rallying call is not patriotism, love for country and service to the people but patronage politics built on millions of political payoffs, scores of political and sheer tyranny,” the leftist fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said in press statement.

 

The militant group issued the statement after administration senator Richard Gordon raised suspicion that Malacañang will rescind Executive Order NO. 156 banning the used of importation of used vehicles into the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which the pro-Arroyo lawmaker believed was a tradeoff to the Magsaysay clan in Zambales to notch the anti-impeachment votes of Association of Volunteer Educators (AVE) party list Eulogio Magsaysay and Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “ Mitos” Magsaysay.

 

“ Giving away economic favors to cronies and associates to cronies is the political trade mark of Marcos and KBL. The same applies to Ms Arroyo and Lakas-CMD,” Pamalakaya said referring to Malacañang’s decision to eliminate the obstacles to Magsaysays’ used car importation business in the former US military bases in the country. 

 

The Magsaysay family in Zambales is running the Subic Bay Motors, which imports second-hand cars, and that Gordon holds a proof that the Magsaysays had secured a recommendation from Malacañang legal office rescinding the EO, particularly a section that bans importation of second-hand cars in the country. The militant group further added: “ Lakas-CMD is not a poor copy cat of KBL. It is KBL with a new name but with the same political orientation, character and loyalty to Marcos-like president currently occupying the seat of power in Malacañang.”

 

Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is Mr. Marcos trapped in a woman’s body, the ruling Lakas-CMD party is the millennium version of the dictator’s KBL, which is running the House of Representatives like a Marcos-rubber stamp Congress.

 

 “ If KBL operates like a ruling mafia during the Marcos dictatorship, Lakas-CMD runs Congress like syndicate for Ms Arroyo and House Speaker Jose de Venecia. In present day Congress, the will of Ms Arroyo and Speaker de Venecia matter most to majority of lawmakers rather than the collective interest and sentiment of the people,” Hicap said in reference to last week murder of the impeachment complaint against Ms Arroyo by pro-Arroyo legislators.

 

The House of Representatives voted 158-51 to uphold the justice committee report dismissing the three impeachment complaints against President Arroyo who was accused of alleged election fraud, high crimes of corruption and political killings by 41 lawmakers, civil society groups, lawyers’ organizations and individuals.

 

Pamalakaya said the allegations against President Arroyo and her close associates in the House of Representatives that they dangled millions of pork barrel and juicy government positions to relatives of congressmen just to ensure the political slaughter of the impeachment complaint against Ms Arroyo before she leave the country for the UN Summit of Leaders this week, was a political practice the late dictator had perfected in 14 years of Marcos dictatorship before the first People Power uprising ousted the late strongman from power.  “ The brutal murder of the impeachment complaint by Ms Arroyo’s league of impeachment killers in the House of Representatives certified the return of Marcos dictatorship in flesh and in spirit courtesy of the Arroyo-de Venecia gangland,” the group added.

 

 

 

 

 

Pamalakaya, earlier rejected Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita’s appeal for militant groups and the broad anti-Arroyo forces to stop the rallies against the president in connection with her trip to the United Nations’ summit of leaders from September 12-14 in New York City, USA.

 

The militant group said the death of the impeachment complaint at the House of Representatives further bolstered the legitimacy and necessity of staging another popular uprising similar to Edsa 1 and Edsa 2 to remove President Arroyo from Malacañang.

 

Proving their point that there would be not let up in the protest against Ms Arroyo, anti-GMA forces like the Kilusang Mayo Uno, Piston, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Gloria Step Down Movement (GSM) will stage another transport strike all over the country to protest the series of oil price hikes, the expected implementation of the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) law and call for the immediate resignation or ouster of President Arroyo.

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 23:47 | link | comments |

Militants lambasted Sen. Santiago for criticizing ‘CBCP bishops: Pamalakaya tells Miriam: ‘Get a life’

Militants lambasted Sen. Santiago for criticizing ‘CBCP bishops: Pamalakaya tells Miriam: ‘Get a life’

The left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Friday lambasted administration lawmaker Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago asked top leaders of the Roman Catholic Church to concentrate on guiding the morality of its flock rather than meddle in domestic politics.

“ Who is she to question the religious gospel and wisdom of anti-Arroyo bishops? Ms Santiago like House Speaker Jose de Venecia, is an epitome of Jurassic, traditional and immoral politics in the country,” Pamalakaya information officer Gerry Albert Corpuz said in a press statement.

He defended the CBCP and the anti-Arroyo prelates from Sen. Santiago’s vicious cycle of attack against perceived critics and opponents of Ms Arroyo.

“ It is time for Santiago to organize herself and think objectively and wisely. Her extreme political
behavior these days for the sake of her president is really disturbing and quite earth-shaking,” Corpuz
said.

Corpuz said if he is only in bishops’ shoes he would curse Santiago and let her perish in the fires of hell for defending a President who had stolen the mandate of the people, robbed the republic with billions of plundered wealth and killed hundreds of political dissenters in the country.

Pamalakaya added: “ Sen. Santiago should get a life of her own and quit from attacking anti-Arroyo critics like a paid political lapdog of Malacañang. She is nothing but a second rate, trying hard, copy cat of Speaker de Venecia in the upper house of Congress.”

Sen. Santiago, a staunch ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and individual bishops should follow Pope Benedict’s advocacy that the Church keep itself insulated from domestic politics.

The administration senator issued the remarks a day after incoming CBCP President Antonio Lagdameo said that the dismissal of the impeachment complaint case President Arroyo failed to end the political crisis and denied the people’s search for truth and justice.

Sen. Santiago said the CBCP might be tempted to call on the people to show “ disrespect for the vote of House of Representatives amid allegations that pro-Arroyo congressmen had railroaded the impeachment proceedings.

“ This so-called constitutional scholar is one bogus lawmaker and law expert. She has no regards with the collective interest and political wisdom of the people. Why can’t she admit to herself that what her
colleagues did in the House of Representatives was totally unconstitutional, barbaric, murderous and
highly revolting in vain attempt to save the ruling syndicate of Ms Arroyo?” Pamalakaya’s Corpuz said.

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 09:23 | link | comments |

Leftist group rejects Palace call for moratorium on anti-Arroyo rallies

Leftist group rejects Palace call for moratorium on anti-Arroyo rallies

 

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, in a press briefing held in Malacañang Palace on Wednesday sought moratorium on protests from foes and critics of United Nations- bound President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to spare the Chief Executive from embarrassment when she meets with world leaders at the UN Summit of Leaders on Sept. 11-17.

 

As expected, anti-Arroyo forces rejected the truce offered by Malacañang as they vowed to launch more intense protests against Ms Arroyo and pursue their aim of removing the embattled President facing scandals of corruption and election fraud after her allies in the House of Representatives voted down the impeachment complaint against Ms Macapagal-Arroyo.

 

“ What moratorium Secretary Ermita was talking about? Definitely there would be no let up on protests against Ms Arroyo,” said Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap in a press statement.

 

Hicap added: “The president will continue to harbor days of disquiet and roaring rampage of protest for betraying truth and justice in the name of her political interest to rule till 2010 despite questions of illegitimacy and grave charges of corruption and political killings.”

 

Pamalakaya said the President might also make sideline visit to her husband Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo and discuss with her self-exiled husband the success story of killing the impeachment complaint against her by her allies in the House of Representatives and perhaps discuss plans on how to counter the fresh wave of protests against her administration following the political slaughter of the impeachment complaint against her.

 

The group said Ms Arroyo might also take the opportunity to talk and thank controversial Comelec commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, allegedly hiding in the United States. “ Ms Arroyo may even use her New York trip to see the attorney and the commissioner in separate or joint occasions that would be made known to the public,” Pamalakaya hinted.

 

After the back-to-back rallies last Sept. 6 and Sept.7, Hicap said anti-Arroyo forces would support a nationwide transport strike to be spearheaded by allies Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Pinag-isang Lakas ng Tsuper at Jeepney Operators Nationwide (Piston) on Sept. 12.

 

Hicap said, aside from the transport strike, militant groups and other anti-Arroyo forces led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Gloria Step Down Movement (GSM) will try Ms Arroyo in a people’s court on Sept.14.

 

The militant leader said on Sept.21, the 33^rd year anniversary of Martial Law, bigger mass actions would be conducted to demand the removal of President Arroyo from power.

 

 “ The purpose of the campaign and corresponding mass actions is to let the people of world know, specially the UN leaders that Ms Arroyo is not the recognized president of the Philippines and she is misrepresenting the Filipino people in the UN meeting in New York,” Hicap asserted.

 

Ms Arroyo’s Executive Secretary told Palace reporters that Malacañang would seek moratorium on all protests while Ms Arroyo is in New York attending the UN meeting. “ We can have some sort of moratorium so as not to embarrass the head of the state and for that matter embarrass our government,” Ermita added. #

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 23:31 | link | comments |

It is time for CBCP to consider People Power option

Political slaughter of impeachment complaint

It is time for CBCP to consider People Power option

 

The leftist fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) today asked the leaders of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to consider the option of People Power in resolving the current political crisis after pro-administration allies upheld the report of the House Committee on Justice dismissing the impeachment complaint against the President.

 

Pamalakaya said the situation merits another peaceful popular uprising that would compel the church, the business and the military and police sector to withdraw their support to the Macapagal-Arroyo administration. 

 

“ This is the moment of truth. We have to launch another popular revolt to topple the immoral and criminal regime of Ms Arroyo, nothing more, nothing else,” the group said.

 

“ The CBCP is politically and morally obliged to re-assess its July 10 position asking Ms Arroyo to submit herself to impeachment trial. It is time for the prelates to rethink their position and consider the growing necessity to remove Ms Arroyo through collective exercise of sovereign power in the tradition of People Power 1 and People Power 2,” Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in a press statement.

 

Pamalakaya said the CBCP should immediately issue a public statement denouncing President Arroyo and her allies in Congress for killing the impeachment process and for exonerating a presidency cloud with questions of legitimacy and alleged crimes against the people from graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust to killings of perceived critics and opponents of the Macapagal-Arroyo government.

 

Hicap added: “ The Gospel of Truth and Justice is now calling the CBCP to carry out and actively support the collective interest and national sentiment of the people in ending the political but immoral career of a president charged of cheating the electorate and committing grave crimes against the people.”

 

 “ We appeal to CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Antonio Lagdameo to support the movement calling for the re-staging of another popular uprising with the political slaughter of the amended impeachment complaint against Ms Arroyo,” Pamalakaya’s Hicap added.

 

Earlier Caloocan prelate and Arroyo critic Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez asked the CBCP to re-evaluate its previous position on the twin scandal hounding the presidency referring to the Gloriagate tape and jueteng payola accusing President Arroyo of rigging last year elections and receiving gambling money from jueteng operators in connection with her presidential campaign last May 2004.

 

Pamalakaya said it is counting on the support of other bishops critical of Ms Arroyo to convince the CBCP to endorse People Power as a politically correct mode of seeking truth and justice and removing a detested, cheating and anti-people president in Malacañang.

 

The group said aside from Bishop Iñiguez, it is also counting on the support of Bishop Julio Labayen and Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias to support move in ousting Ms Arroyo through another People Power uprising.  “ The remaining option for the people is to strike another People Power and assert their sovereign rights to remove a president who grossly violated the rights and welfare of the people and denied the course of justice to perpetuate an immoral, criminal and syndicate regime,” Pamalakaya added. #

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 11:15 | link | comments |

Militants hit Inquirer’s Doronila for saying President foes engaging in trial by publicity

Militants hit Inquirer’s Doronila for saying

President foes engaging in trial by publicity

 

The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s editorial columnist Amado Doronila came under fire from leftwing activists after the Martial Law veteran opinion writer and newspaperman accused critics of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of engaging in trial by publicity to undermine and hijack the impeachment process from the institutional forum an impeachment trial.

 

On Monday, the Inquirer published another Doronila opinion further accusing ‘ the militants for truth’  and ‘self- righteous demagogues’ for trying to preempt the impeachment process with actions apparently intended to influence public opinion ahead of the possible impeachment trial.

 

Inquirer’s Doronila rejected the militants’ version of truth, asserting that in the history of mankind’s quest for truth, no one has franchise for truth. He said in the present political crisis, truth is better served in a forum like impeachment where the credibility of evidence is ascertained by a rigorous process of evaluation.

 

“ The political high jacking of the impeachment process is not a political business for militant groups and other anti-Arroyo forces. It is the administration’s game plan since from the very beginning. Doronila’s statements merely confirmed his political standing in the society that he is the oldest man in the current bunch of political apologists for the ruling Macapagal-Arroyo syndicate in Malacañang,” the left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said in a press statement. 

 

The group said Doronila lost his political wisdom as Martial Law veteran and has become a willing tool to hide truth and deny justice for the people in the name of his present association with the immoral and anti-people Arroyo camp.

 

“ How can the impeachment process and presentation of evidence proceed with Ms Arroyo and her gangland practically doing everything, anything to kill the impeachment process against her? Either Doronila had missed the point or he does not want to raise this glaring issue for the sake of his new found master in Malacañang,” the militant group said.

 

Pamalakaya said Inquirer’s Doronila had been writing articles against staunch critics of Ms Arroyo over the past few months treating anti-Arroyo forces as political punch bags since the Hello Garci and the jueteng payola scandal came into the picture.  The group said Doronila had used militant groups  and other critics of Ms Arroyo as his punching bags for his series of political opinions published by the Inquirer over the past few months.

 

“ While we recognize Doronila’s brilliant contribution to the anti-dictatorship fight of the Filipino people against the US-backed Marcos dictatorship, we will not tolerate his views that would resurrect the same kind of political rule and repression in the person of his new found ally and benefactor---Ms Arroyo,” said Pamalakaya national char Fernando Hicap.

 

“ If this has something to do with the diplomatic post in Belgium and in the European commission awarded to him, he better quit his post and undergo a thoroughgoing reality check,” Hicap added.

 

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA ) Secretary Alberto Romulo recently appointed Doronila as ambassador to Belgium and the Philippines’ representative to the European Commission but the Inquirer’s editorial columnist failed to get the nod of the Commission on Appointment citing Doronila’s age and health condition. #

 

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 03:31 | link | comments |

Leftist group urged 20 undecided congressmen to sign amended impeachment complaint

Resist tempting cash offers and threats from Malacañang

Leftist group urged 20 undecided congressmen to

sign amended impeachment complaint

 

The left-leaning fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Sunday asked 20 congressmen to sign the amended impeachment complaint and resist tempting cash offers and political threats coming from pro-Arroyo camp.

 

In a press statement, Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap urged 20 undecided congressmen to rise above the occasion in the name of truth, justice and national interest and affix their signatures to the amended impeachment complaint.

 

Hicap’s appeal was addressed to Bataan Rep. Antonino Roman, Kalinga Rep. Lawrence Wacnang, Makati City Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr., Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla, Misamis Oriental 2^nd district Rep. Augusto Baculio, Northern Samar  1^st district Rep. Harlin Abayon, Bohol 3^rd  district Rep. Eladio Jala, Cebu Rep. Antonio Yapha, Northern Samar Rep. Romualdo Vicencio, Negros Oriental Emilio Macias, Bohol Rep. Roberto Cajes, Coop-Nattco party list Rep. Guillermo Cua, Bohol 1^st district Rep. Edgar Chatto, Iloilo 1^st district Rep. Janette Garin, Iloilo 4^th district Rep. Ferjenel Biron, Laguna 1^st district Rep. Uliran Joaquin, Batangas 2^nd district Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, Romblon Rep. Eduardo Firmalo, Quirino Rep. Junie Cua, Batangas 3^rd district Rep. Vicky Reyes and Agusan del Norte 1^st district Rep. Leonardo Banaag.

 

The militant leader also appealed to opposition congressmen-Caloocan representatives Luis Asistio and Oscar Malapitan, Maguindanao Rep. Baisendig Dilangalen, Valenzuela Rep. Antonio Serapio and Quezon City Rep. Vincent “ Bingbong” Crisologo to formally affix their signatures in the amended impeachment complaint against President Arroyo.

 

“ This is the moment of truth. We strongly urge them to seize the moment and defeat the political operators of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo armed with bags of money and threats of political vendetta at the behest and in the interest of the ruling syndicate in Malacañang and the House of Representatives,” Hicap said.

 

“ There are things money can’t buy like truth and justice and historical verdict of the people against traitors and those who are hungry and starved for fame, power and fortune. If they want to make history, and they want history to be kind with them, all they have to do is to sign the impeachment complaint and go for a giant kill against the Macapagal-Arroyo mafia,” Pamalakaya’s Hicap added.

 

Opposition stalwarts House Minority Leader Francis Escudero III and Taguig –Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday said Palace forces were conducting an alleged house-to-house campaign to convince those congressmen who have signed the amended impeachment complaint to withdraw their signatures in exchange for monetary rewards or face political retribution from the ruling Macapagal-Arroyo party.

 

Also targeted by the house-to-campaign was a crucial bloc of administration lawmakers who are about to sign the amended impeachment complaint this week and overturn the decision of the House Committee on Justice chaired by Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong rejecting the impeachment complaints filed against Ms Arroyo containing charges of election fraud, graft and corruption and political killings of administration critics and leftist activists.

 

The political operators of the Macapagal-Arroyo camp were reportedly visiting houses of pro-impeachment congressmen trying to convince them to be absent from Monday to Wednesday when the House is expected to vote in plenary on the impeachment issue. Pamalakaya said pro-impeachment forces regardless of political leanings would stage a mammoth rally on Tuesday to convince other congressmen to sign the amended impeachment complaint and pursue its transmittal to the Senate for trial of Ms Arroyo on several counts of betrayal of public trust. #

 

 

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 03:11 | link | comments |

Party lists urged to disown reps for killing impeach raps vs. GMA

Party lists urged to disown reps for killing impeach raps vs. GMA

 

Pro-impeachment activists belonging to fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Sunday urged officials and mass members of party list groups Association of Volunteer Educators (AVE) and Alagad to disown party list Representatives Eulogio Magsaysay and Rodante Marcoleta for cooperating with Malacañang in killing the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

 

In a press statement, Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap appealed to AVE and Alagad party lists to immediately issue separate statements denouncing Magsaysay and Marcoleta for violating the collective interest and political sentiment of their respective constituents demanding an impeachment trial for Ms Arroyo facing several charges of graft and corruption, election fraud and killings of critics and political opponents.

 

“ As representatives of marginalized sectors, Magsaysay and Marcoleta betrayed their constituents by carrying out the game plan of Malacañang to slaughter the amended impeachment complaint against Ms Arroyo,” Hicap said.

 

AVE party list Rep, Magsaysay had withdrawn his signature endorsing the amended impeachment complaint, which was filed by members of civil society, militant groups, cause-oriented organizations and anti-corruption associations, while Alagad’s Marcoleta allegedly endorsed the weak complaint filed by Atty. Oliver Lozano, upon the instructions of Malacañang and President Arroyo.

 

“ If AVE and Alagad want to redeem their lost prestige and prove to the people that they represent and carry the voice of the poor, marginalized and the oppressed, they would publicly denounce Magsaysay and Marcoleta and declare their ouster from their groups,” Hicap said.

 

But Pamalakaya said Reps. Magsaysay and Marcoleta could still repair their damaged images and reputations before the public if they vote on Monday in favor of the amended impeachment complaint when the House Committee on Justice presents results of the impeachment hearings before the House plenary tomorrow.

 

“ That’s the only choice they could take, as if they have a choice,” the group asserted. “ The plenary vote on Monday will decide the political fate of Magsaysay and Marcoleta,” Pamalakaya added.

 

Pamalakaya and other rural-based groups had recently launched a nationwide hate campaign against congressmen who killed the impeachment complaint against Ms Arroyo at the justice committee level. Aside from Magsaysay and Marcoleta, those included in the list are House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Majority Floor Leader Prospero Nograles, Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay, House Committee on Justice chair and Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Rep. Matias Defensor (3^rd District, Quezon City), Rep. Salacnib Baterina (1^st district, Ilocos Sur), Nueva Ecija congressman Rodolfo Antonino and Rep. Marcelino Libanan of Eastern Samar.

 

The party list bloc campaigning for the impeachment of Ms Arroyo is composed of Reps. Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño and Joel Virador of Bayan Muna, Crispin Beltran and Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis and Lisa of Gabriela Women’s Party. #

 

 

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 03:10 | link | comments |

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