Capture of Philippine fugitive general Jovito Palparan hailed as victory for Aquino (tags)
Philippine security forces yesterday captured a fugitive former army general wanted over the kidnapping of two students, fulfilling a promise by President Benigno Aquino to bring high-profile criminal suspects to justice.
Wheels of justice in the Philippines must turn quickly and judiciously on Burgos case (tags)
Akbayan Partylist today called on President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to "shake the military establishment" and "weed out the corrupt, murderers and traitors" among its ranks. The partylist group made the call after the Court of Appeals' decision to hold elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) accountable for the enforced disappearance of Jonas Burgos in 2007.
PHILIPPINES: The ghosts of martial law (tags)
On September 21, forty years ago, President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law. For almost 13-and-a-half years afterwards, the country suffered terribly from a brutal and corrupt dictatorship. Among the victims of the grave violations of human rights under martial law were the following: 3,257 “salvaged” (summarily executed), 35,000 tortured, and 70,000 incarcerated, as documented by historian Alfred McCoy.
PHILIPPINES: Akbayan calls on Sandiganbayan to issue warrant of arrest against Arroyo (tags)
Akbayan Chairperson Risa Hontiveros called on the Sandiganbayan today to issue a warrant of arrest against former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) in connection with the plunder charge filed against her and several others before the anti-graft court by the Office of the ombudsman.
PHILIPPINES: Akbayan welcomes Corona conviction (tags)
Akbayan welcomes Corona conviction, calls it a triumph of truth and accountability over impunity
PHILIPPINES: Retired armed forces officers should repudiate Palparan (tags)
Akbayan Party today called on the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) to repudiate retired major general Jovito Palparan and declare him an enemy of the Filipino soldiers and the military institution.
Philippine Chief Justice Corona urged to resign (tags)
TWO days after a "court holiday" was declared in support of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, Bantay Gloria Network (BGN) responded with a "national day of action" to press for the removal of Corona from his post.
Former Philippine President Arroyo charged with electoral fraud (tags)
MANILA: The former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo has been charged with electoral fraud in a move that could pave the way for her arrest, after the government rushed the case to a regional court to keep her from leaving the country.
Philippines: No state burial for Marcos is step toward justice (tags)
Akbayan Party lauded President Aquino’s declaration that the administration will not accord a state burial for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, saying that this is a positive step toward the issuance of justice and rectification of Marcos’ atrocities during the Martial Law.
Philippine Akbayan Party to seek life sentence for Arroyo (tags)
Even before newly appointed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales could step in her new office, anti-corruption advocates already have an important assignment for the new chief of the anti-corruption body.
Akbayan and the Struggle for a New Philippines (tags)
(Speech at the Gene Viernes and Silme Domingo Awards Event, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington State, July 2, 2011.)
PHILIPPINES: The Rough and Rugged Road toward Change (tags)
Akbayan Party?s Statement on the First Year of the Aquino Government
The Degenerate Under her Regenerating Obligation to Recompense for her Human Rights Viola (tags)
The Alliance News recieved a report from the NDF-Southern Tgagalog last Thursday, July 01, that former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) was rushed to the hospital due to pinched nerve. On the same day, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) filed a P6-M damage suit against her for extrajudicial killings of five of its members and abduction of another one during her term as president. UCCP filed the complaint through its general secretary and executive officer Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza. According to the 18-page complaint, "numerous church pastors and leaders were either liquidated, harassed, unlawfully detained or tortured with impunity by military agents and operatives, who, by law, were then all under her ultimate control and command responsibility."
PHILIPPINES: Gloria Arroyo and Merceditas Gutierrez are “enemies of EDSA” (tags)
A day before the 25th celebration of the historic EDSA people power uprising, members of Akbayan (Citizens Action Party) conducted a “people power protest” in Quezon City calling on the Filipino people to defeat the “enemies of Edsa.”
Appointment of Ronald Llamas as Philippine Presidential Adviser for Political Affair (tags)
Akbayan Youth, the Movement for the Advancement of Student Power (MASP), and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) welcome President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino’s (PNoy) appointment of Akbayan Party President Ronald Llamas as Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs. This appointment proves the president’s commitment to a pluralist government open to progressive politics.
By continuing Oplan Bantay Laya, Aquino shows he is no different from Arroyo (tags)
The PESANTE BULETIN based in Los Angeles gathered that the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today assailed the announcement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on extending its Oplan Bantay Laya campaign until January 2011 as proving that Benigno Aquino III is no different from his predecessor. From the news sources in the Philippines, PESANTE BULETIN also learned that While the world commemorates International Humanitarian Law Month today, the AFP will be continuing its campaign that has led to many killings of social activists and other civilians," said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas.
Senator Joker Arroyo: Truth commission is doomed to fail (tags)
The EPCC NEWS learned that the planned truth commission to be set by by President Aquino III is doomed to fail because it is without a legal leg to stand on. Opposition Sen. Joker Arroyo said Wednesday. EPCC News said that Joker Arroyo, a lawyer, warned President Benigno Aquino III that creating a truth commission through an executive order would be futile because it would suffer from a legal infirmity
PHILIPPINES: Keeping an eye on Aquino’s commitment to change (tags)
MANILA - The new administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III begins with an extremely high trust rating of 88 percent – higher than any of the post-dictatorship presidents. This is a measure of people’s belief in the commitment of the Aquino administration to reverse the anti-poor policies implemented during the regime of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Philippine Situation After the 2010 Elections (tags)
We are here today because Benigno Aquino III was elected president of the Philippines. He has promised to bring CHANGE to the Philippine government, eliminate corruption, fix the education system, improve health care, improve the economy and provide housing for all Filipinos. He has said that he is the president because the people believed in HOPE. Does this sound familiar? The Reality of the history in the Islands: Economic Crisis The Reality of the Philippines is that the islands are still ruled by US imperialism, and run by its Filipino puppets. Aquino has assembled an economic team from the same breed of pro-imperialist pro neoliberlization economists who have dominated economic policy-making in the Philippines for the past three decades. Some of whom have even served the US arroyo regime.
MAS MASAKIT ANG AMBA KAYSA BIGWAS” Ni NOYNOY AQUINO SA MASANG PILIPINO (tags)
Mukhang mas masakit ang amba ng Rehimeng US-Aquino III kaysa aktwal na hambalos nito sa sambayanan. Hindi pa man nakakabangon ang masa sa mariing parusa ng nakaraang siyam na taon ng rehimeng US-Arroyo, eto na naman ang bagong rehimeng Aquino II na naghahanda ng panibagong atake sa sambayanan. Kitang kita sa pagpili nito ng mga tao sa military na naghahanda ito ng mabagsik at panibagong opensiba laban sa masang Pilipino. Paano ba, ang bagong hirang na hepe ng AFP na si General David na galling sa NOLCOM ay nagbabanta agad na “wawasakin ang NPA sa loob ng tatlong taon.”
PHILIPPINES: Unions urge Noynoy to prioritize ‘full employment,’ (tags)
Unions urge Noynoy to prioritize ‘full employment,’ not to renege on his ‘people’s mandate’
Ramon Paje’s Appointment to the DENR Spells Big Trouble (tags)
he PESANTE-USA, an environmental and peasant support advocacy group based in the United States joins the Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE) in denouncing the appointment of Mr. Ramon Paje, executive director of the Minerals Development Council (MDC), as environment secretary.
On the Coming Benigno S. Aquino III Presidency of the Philippines (tags)
On the Coming Benigno S. Aquino III Presidency of the Philippines. Senator Benigno S. Aquino III was proclaimed as the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines yesterday, June 9, 2010 by the Philippine Congress. There has been a lot of optimism about the assumption to power by Noynoy Aquino. But still dangers looms on the horizon for President Arroyo is still around in Congress. Within the first 100 days, if Noynoy would fail to fulfill any important promise and the crisis in the country would continue to worsen, the broad masses of the Filipino people would hate the Aquino III regime and Noynoy himself for being a traitor and deceiver of the people.
HINGGIL SA PAPASOK NA REHIMENG AQUINO (tags)
Nanalo si Noynoy Aquino dahil sa bago maghalalan siya ang pinili ng mga imperyalistang Amerikano at mga lokal na naghaharing uri ng malalaking komprador at asendero na maging bagong pangulo ng naghaharing sistema. Sa kabila ng pagkukunwaring umaasa siya sa piso-piso mula sa karaniwang mga tao, sa kanya idinagsa ng malalaking negosyanteng dayuhan at Pilipino ang kanilang suporta sa kampanya. Sa kalaunan ng kampanya, hinigitan ni Noynoy si Manny Villar sa paglikom at paggamit ng pera para sa iba't ibang tipo ng propaganda. Sinuportahan si Noynoy ng malaking mass media. Tuso sa propaganda ang mga alalay niya. Para mapagtakpan ang kasalatan niya sa track-record at kakayahan, pinatingkad ng kanyang media handlers ang palagay na siya ay malinis na tagapagmana ng tatay at nanay niya at ang pagbatikos sa korapsyon ng rehimeng Arroyo. Kaugnay nito, sa pariralang Villaroyo, tumalab ang hambalos ng kampong Noynoy na ahente ni Arroyo si Villar dahil hindi siya umaatake kay Arroyo. May mga palatandaan din na sa automated electoral system ng Smartmatic, na kontrolado ng US at mga ahente nila, may naganap na preprogramming para panaluhin sina Aquino at Binay. Halatang kinabigan ng napakalaking boto sina Manny Villar at Loren Legarda. Overkill at di kapanipaniwala ang biglang pagbagsak nila. May mga ulat na matataas na kinatawan ng CIA, pamilya ni Aquino at rehimeng Arroyo ang nagpasya sa pre-programming anim na linggo bago araw ng halalan. Ang pag-uusap nina Pinky Aquino-Abellada at Ginang Arroyo ang nagbigay daan sa ganitong areglo.
Fearless Forecast: A Shaky Aquino Presidency Seen in the Philippines (tags)
Despite the election of Benigno Aquino III as the presumptive president of the Philippines, the political scene in the Philippines for the next six years is far from being an orderly and a stable nation. While Aquino got the executive post, the legislative and the judicial positions including the Supreme Court are his problems as well as the control of regional, provincial and mayoral positions that are in the control of his perceived enemies. In Congress, at the house of representatives, LP bet for Speaker , Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte is confident of becoming Speaker. He said that he would get the support of not only some 30 Lakas “originals” but also of party-list, Nacionalista Party (NP) and Nationalist People’s Coalition contingents in the House. The LP has only 37 elected members.Belmonte said he had even talked to the NP president, Sen. Manuel Villar,
Leading the Philippine armed revolution astray (tags)
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-Maoist) has spent a tremendous amount of manpower, financial and materials resources in the electoral campaign, in the process forging a tactical alliance with the landlord-bureaucrat capitalist Manuel Villar, the Nacionalista Party--and indirectly with the family of the late fascist puppet dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Political Comeback Marcos Family Alarming – Victims of Martial law (tags)
PHILIPPINES - On April 27, 1977, urban poor leader Trinidad Herrera-Ripuno was arrested in Katipunan, Quezon City by virtue of an arrest and search and seizure order (ASSO) of then President Ferdinand Marcos. She was made to suffer brutal torture, which was meant to break her determination and spirit.
MILITARY TORTURE AND STATE TERRORISM IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Despite the election of Benigno Aquino III to succeed the corrupt brutal Arroyo, 43 healthworkers continue to suffer military torture. Five are confined to the military camp alleged as self-confessed New People's Army guerillas, while 38 were transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, notorious for the massacre of Moro suspects. The five persons on which the fascist generals are concentrating their torture are: VALENTINO PAULINO, CHERRYLYN TAWAGON, ELLEN CARANDANG, JENNYLYN PIZZARO, & JOHN MARK BARRIENTOS. Carandang's children were taken from their home by the military," according to KARAPATAN, human rights monitor. Their relatives are threatened or offered bribes coercively to side with the military and incriminate themselves or their kin. We appeal to the international community to denounce this barbaric treatment and demand the immediate release of the Morong 43.
RP ELECTIONS, ATUOMATED BUT STILL ROTTEN TO THE CORE (tags)
The PESANTE NEWS LEARNED today that the Philippine revolutionary movement issued a statement today, May 23, 2010. Here it is: "The recently concluded reactionary elections, seemingly "modernized" with automation, was as rotten to the core as ever. The return to power of the Aquino-Cojuangco clan and its Kamag-anak Inc., through apparent president-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III; the repositioning of the Marcoses--Imelda, Ferdinand Jr. and Imee; the continuing domination of Congress by the Arroyos, now with Gloria Arroyo herself elected congressman; and many more of the like all point to the indictment of the recent reactionary elections as nothing but a big sham foisted by the reactionary ruling classes upon the masses.
Analysis of the RP 2010 Electiion by Prof. Jose Ma. Sison (tags)
The conduct of the 2010 elections shows the rottenness of the US-dominated ruling system of big compradors and landlords. It was a process dominated by the coalitions, parties and candidates of the reactionary ruling classes. Beforehand, it excluded the leaders of the working people who were repressed or who were without campaign funds. It was merely a personality-based contest of the political agents of the same exploiting classes. They did not offer any strong differences in terms of program. They mouthed slogans against poverty and corruption and the need for change. But they said nothing about overcoming the three monsters of foreign monopoly capitalism, domestic feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism which exploit, impoverish and oppress the people. They gave no serious attention to the worsening crisis of the domestic ruling system and the world capitalist system.
PHILIPPINES: Sabotaging the path to the strategic stalemate (tags)
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has spent a tremendous amount of manpower, financial and materials resources in the electoral campaign, in the process forging a tactical alliance with the landlord-bureaucrat capitalist Manuel Villar, the Nacionalista Party--and indirectly with the family of the late fascist puppet dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Philippines: Presidential son is above poll laws (tags)
In the Philippines, being a presidential son allows you to be a party-list nominee without possessing any of the qualifications for being one.
THE SCENARIO OF FAILURE (tags)
The election campaign is heating up in the Philippines and all indications show that as we go down to the wires the anxiety about the possibility of failure will heighten. Political camps from all the variations of Laban, Lakas and Masa to the traditional Nacionalista, Liberal Party atb. are seemingly resigned to the idea that winning the ballots will not necessarily translate into bagging Malacanang. There are attempts at least within the circle of leading candidates to throw around the idea that they will revert to parliament of the streets in the worst case scenario: a Marcos era redux!
Deathblow to the US-Arroyo regime! Advance the People's War !-NDF (tags)
The Pesante News learned today that on the occasion of its founding anniversary today, April 24, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao salutes the toiling Filipino workers and peasants and all the patriotic and revolutionary members who belong to the 17 NDFP allied organizations. Thirty seven years ago, the NDF was born out of the people's active resistance to a fascist bankrupt regime; and out of the revolutionary people's movement. This was the gist of the statement of Rubi Del Mundo,Spokesperson of National Democratic Front-Southern Mindanao on April 24, 2010
GEN DANNY LIM; Esperon, Senga Involved in ’06 plot (tags)
PESANTE NEWS today learned by media sources that now it can be told—again. This time straight from the horse’s mouth as it were. Detained Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, a candidate for senator, on Friday claimed that the then Armed Forces Chief Gen. Generoso Senga and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. were his accomplices in the failed February 2006 coup plot. Lim, who appeared to be acknowledging for the first time his leadership role in the Feb. 23, 2006, coup plot, claimed that Senga and Esperon had betrayed him and his fellow plotters for what he described as “political enticements” from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. “These people are turncoats and rabid opportunists. Durin
Rights groups slams Agra’s decision as “a massacre of justice” (tags)
Rights groups slams Agra’s decision as “a massacre of justice”
10 Surefire Ways to Get Away with Crimes in the Philippines (tags)
Arroyo’s US trip on April 11-13, A Summit of A Puppet with Her M (tags)
The Obama- Arroyo meeting will be crucial. Although Arroyo will not dare to stay in power beyond June 2010 without the consent of her imperialist masters, the US and her regime still can strike a deal . In that case, that means that the US has special interest in keeping her in power and will risk offending all those presidential candidates who have spent money and effort in the current electoral campaign. Another scenario is that the Arroyo is not indispensable to the US. But in any case the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) condemns the Arroyo trip to ingratiate itself to the Obama administration. The fact stands out. The United States anchors the US-Arroyo regime in it’s human rights violations, in its anti-people’s war in Mindanao and other parts of the nation and the path of keeping the Philippines under the neocolonial and neoliberal economic status.
RP Elections Update, May 2010 (tags)
As the Battle of surveys continues in the Philippines, all the camps of the current presidential candidates redoubled their efforts as the 4o days count down to the elections comes winding. Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas is still leading the surveys and seems to pull away as the Villar connection to President Arroyo became more evident with the latest defections from LAKAS-KAMPI.
PARAMILITARY GROUP SUPPORTS TEODORO (tags)
The EPCC News based in Los Angeles today learned from news sources in the Philippines that the official of the Guardians International Inc., a nationwide fraternal brotherhood organization and a known paramilitary group, has declared the group’s support for the presidential candidacy of the Lakas-Kampi’s Gilberto Teodoro Jr. The Guardian International is believed led by former Colonel now Senator Gringo Honasan. Honasan is close to Senator Enrile, the present Senate President a known supporter of President Arroyo. This group has been involved in several coup attempts from Marcos to GMA regime since 1985.The Guardians, composed of civilians, government employees, active and retired police and military, claims a membership of more than one million in different parts of the country.
ALL OPTIONS FOR GMA TO HOLD ON POWER IN PLACE (tags)
The Los Angeles based Pesante News learned today through news sources that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's declaration placing the whole island of Mindanao under a "state of calamity" and the recent Supreme Court decision allowing GMA to appoint the next Chief Justice are but only two among the many measures that prepare the stage for the US-Arroyo regime's continued hold on power. According to NDF-Mindanao spokesperson Jorge Madlos, in scrutiny with regard to the need, legal basis and motive of placing Mindanao under a "state of calamity" and on the timing and legality of the Supreme Court ruling should be viewed in the context of a regime that is insatiable in perpetuating itself in power. The National Democratic Front in Mindanao (NDF-Mindanao) holds that there is an abundance of reason to believe that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo does not intend to relinquish the power she has mustered by way of deceit, bribery, impunity, and militarism over the last nine years. Come hell or high water, she is hell-bent to stay in power, and, like puzzle pieces falling into its proper place, all indication point to this.
RP SUPREME COURT PERPETUATES THE RULE OF THE DYNASTY,NOT THE RULE OF LAW (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (USA) vehemently condemns the latest decision of the Supreme Court when it gave President Arroyo the right to make a midnight appointment with the Chief Justice of the Court. Pesante-USA pointed out that “ when the courts disregards the 1987 constitution and favors political dynasties like that of the Arroyo’s, the high court does not only fail the nation but betrays its people. The courts as US president John Quincy Adams said “ is the guarantee of our independence”. But in the case of the Philippines, the highly political court filled with the Arroyo appointees, showed their true colors.”
Rebel Gen. Lim: Arroyo inviting military revolt (tags)
The EPCC NEWS learned through Manila media sources that a detained military rebel general said that the Philippine Palace is “concluding maneuver” to control the high court could invite a military uprising, warned a rebel officer seeking a Senate seat. “[President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] is inviting a new military uprising,” said West pointer and Army General Danny Lim said in a statement. He said military officers and their men were disappointed with the Supreme Court ruling authorizing Ms Arroyo to name Chief Justice Reynato Puno’s successor.
U.S.-BACKED STATE TERRORISM AND MILITARY BRUTALITY IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Millions of US taxpayers' money are supporting de facto President Arroyo's despotic rule in the Philippines. The continuing torture of 43 health workers may be an alibi to cover up the horrendous Ampatuan massacre and numerous corruption scandals, a preparation for martial rule by May 20. Fascist violence will surely be met by the enraged mobilization of the masses. The US public needs to protest the use of their taxdollars to fund Arroyo's extrajudicial killings, torture, and forced disappearances of thousands of Filipino civilians.
REACTIONARIES MUST OBEY THE REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT WHEN THEY ARE IN GUERILLA CONTROLLED (tags)
he PESANTE NEWS learned last March 12 taht the NDF or the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas reacting to statements by the 8th Infantry Division and Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, said today that there already two governments in the country and the revolutionary movement does not simply accept bribes to let reactionary politicians win in the election.
NDF-Southern Mindanao on the GRP elections: no illusions (tags)
The EPCC NEWS sources learned today that the general elections under the reactionary Government of the Republic of the Philippines has kicked off with the usual circus that holds sway among the populace and feeds on their decades-old aspiration for true change in Philippine society. The National Democratic Front-Southern Mindanao states its position on the reactionary GRP elections: That the Filipino masses should bear no illusion that the elections will bring about thoroughgoing change in our semi-feudal and semi-colonial society, and that only the People's Democratic Revolution is our way to genuine liberation and national development.
NDF-EV demands immediate release of Michelle Adelantar from GRP custody (tags)
The PESANTE NEWS learned today that the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today demanded the immediate release from the Arroyo government's custody of Michelle Adelantar, a daughter of a cadre of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People's Army. "In violation of international humanitarian law, Michelle, 17, was abducted and detained last Feb. 3 in San Jose de Buan, Western Samar by operating troops from the 34th Infantry Battalion merely because she was the child of a CPP-NPA cadre," said Fr. Santiago Salas, NDF-EV spokesperson.
PGMA Appoints Her Man-Lt.Gen. Delfin (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) greeted with scorn and disgust the designation of President Gloria M. Arroyo of Gen. Delfin Bangit, a former spy master called the “emperor,” as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced to reporters Monday the appointment of Bangit, who headed the Presidential Security Group (PSG) during three coup attempts against her administration.
PHILIPPINES - Deny the "Arroyo 5" (tags)
Akbayan party-list launches campaign to deny the premier political family power in the 2010 elections
Cory Aquino and GMA; Similar scorecards (tags)
(The EPCC NEWS decided to reprint the editorial of the Inquirer in Manila to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the EDSA People's Uprising) On the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution, it might be useful to review the records of the two beneficiaries of Edsa 1 and Edsa 2: the late President Corazon C. Aquino and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. We will then see if the nation has attained some progress in the past 24 years.
Philippines: VILLAR-ARROYO IN ALLIANCE WITH AMPATUANS (tags)
Senator Manny Villar has a secret alliance with the Ampatuan clan, principal suspects in the brutal massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao province, and he has to explain how he intends to give justice to the Ampatuans’ victims, the Liberal Party demanded today.
FASCIST MILITARY VIOLENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
The arrest and torture of 43 medical and health professionals in the Philippines by the Arroyo military and police seeks to obscure the ongoing Ampatuwan-Arroyo trial and rehearse emergency martial-law schemes to prolong the Arroyo regime's corrupt and brutal domination. US citizens: will you allow millions of your tax-dollars to support Arroyo's military-police in fascist abuses?
GMA's Game of Musical Chairs in the AFP (tags)
PESANTE NEWS based in Los Angeles learned today through news sources in Manila that some questions are circulating at the AFP. Will there be a new face at the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by March or will President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stick it out with current military chief Gen. Victor Ibrado? Ibrado is due to retire on March 10, the day before the election appointments ban takes effect. The president is barred from making new appointments two months before the elections and until the end of her term.
Condemn the US-Arroyo Regime's Peddler of Lies, Fight its False Propaganda! (tags)
The reactionary and counter-revolutionary propaganda factory of the US-Arroyo regime led by the AFP, continue to churn out and plague the media and the public with illogical falsehoods to attack the legitimate left, which endanger the very lives of many activists and critics of this corrupt government. The black propaganda employed by the likes of Ret. Gen. Jovito Palparan, Jun Alcover and Brig. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario lumps together the legal progressive movement in urban areas and the armed revolution led by the CPP-NPA-NDF in the countryside. It aims to vilify, as part of its modus operandi, certain individuals in the progressive movement whom they capriciously judge as "supporters or leaders of the revolution" and make them targets of political assassinations.
NDF hits promotion of Army chiefs linked to Ampatuan massacre (tags)
The National Democratic Front scores the US-Arroyo regime for playing chess by placing its most rabid bootlickers in key positions in the reactionary government, notwithstanding its self-perpetuating move to change the reactionary Charter. The US-Arroyo regime is getting more and more edgy as its current occupant, Ms. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is becoming more and more despised by the Filipino people. With the widespread discontent on the country's political and economic situation and mounting calls for justice to the victims of human rights violations and the brutal November 23 Ampatuan massacre, Mrs. Arroyo's plan to perpetuate in power through the GRP congress is ever more audacious and blatant.
NDF-Mindanao Hits AFP's "Four Aces" (tags)
Pesante News today learned that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Southern Mindanao hits the reactionary Philippine Army's stresses for 2010 calling them mere euphemism for a more vicious campaign against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement. The fascist Philippine Army's recently pronounced four ACEs -- Army's Concern for the Environment, Army's Concern for Engineering, Army's Combat Excellence and Advocacy for Credible Elections -- is only a preliminary propaganda purveyed by its chief, the notorious Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit. Bangit, the most favored among Ms. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's bootlicking generals, is groomed to replace current AFP chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado. Bangit from PMA Class 1978is now posturing himself to strengthen his bid for the AFP's highest position and dispel well-founded views that he will be playing a crucial role in perpetuating Mrs. Arroyo in power. His first attempt is to deodorize his unit's notorious record of human rights violations and electoral fraud. Despite Bangit's putting-his-best-foot-forward move, the Filipino people smell the stink of the Philippine Army's four ACEs. Its ballyhooed Advocacy for Credible Elections is nothing but a machination by the reactionary AFP to push its devious game plan of ensuring Mrs. Arroyo's victory in the upcoming GRP elections and continue her hold on power.
Arroyo's Plan to Consolidate Power (tags)
We condemn the US-Arroyo regime's devious declaration to dismantle "private armies" in the country when in truth this only aims to strengthen loyal private armies which it can benefit from and to dismantle those of the opposition's, thus consolidating its hold on power and giving itself greater leverage in the coming national elections. The most notorious of private armies in Mindanao are those which delivered, through terrorism, the much needed votes in the last two national elections, which won Arroyo a six-year term. The biggest of which is that of the Ampatuan warlord.
Filipino farmers’ nation-wide march for Land Reform to kick off Jan. 10 (tags)
A nationwide protest march to highlight President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s alleged string of heinous crimes against farmers will kick off in Mindanao on January 10 and end in Manila on January 22, in time for the 23rd anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre, a partylist lawmaker said on Saturday. PESANTE NEWS learned today that Anakpawis partylist Representative Rafael Mariano said the nationwide farmers’ caravan was only an “opening salvo of sustained mass actions for this year leading to the end of the anti-peasant, corrupt, and fascist Arroyo administration.” Nationwide March for Land Reform “The nationwide march and caravan of farmers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will highlight Ms Arroyo’s string of heinous crimes against farmers, from wide-scale land-grabbing, brazen human rights violations, and unabashed plunder of agricultural funds, among others,” Mariano said in a statement.
POLITICAL WITCH-HUNT IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
The case of Prof. Sarah Raymundo's firing at the University of the Philippines betokens the sharpening political contradictions and hegemonic crisis occurring in what William Blum calls the oldest longest-held colony of the US, currently ruled by the corrupt and brutal Arroyo regime praised by Barack Obama.
PHILIPPINES: Capitalist Villar is CPP's bet in 2010 presidential election (tags)
Two days before its 41st founding anniversary, the clandestine Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) endorsed the candidacy of Manuel Villar Jr, the standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party (NP) in the 2010 presidential elections.
Now it can be told: Martial Law a desperate attempt to exonerate AFP/PNP, US-Arroyo Regime (tags)
ThePESANTE NEWS today learned that the Armed Forces of the Philippines's posturing as hero in the aftermath of the Ampatuan massacre is hypocritical in the face of hidden arms caches found in the Ampatuan warlord's mansions and vast properties. These military-owned high-powered rifles, ammunition, and war materiel are evidence that pin the devious collusion between the Ampatuan warlord clan, their mercenaries in the AFP top brass, and the Arroyo family. Faced with mounting nationwide anger that could lead to an Oust Gloria reprisal, the Arroyo regime imposed Martial Law in Maguindanao in a desperate attempt to exonerate itself from the culpability of arming, backing, and using political warlords and their private armies in its counter-revolutionary schemes. It is ironic for 601st Infantry Brigade-AFP commander Col. Leo Ferrer, in the midst of the martial law hullabaloo, to warn Ampatuan supporters and CVOs of the military's capability to launch tactical offensives if the latter remains unwilling to be disarmed.
ARROYO IS STILL WRONG IN SAYING THE RIGHT THING (tags)
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in defending her declaration of martial law in Maguindanao said:“we can only have justice when there is peace.” She was playing with words. Just like with everything else. GMA played with the Congress and let them hold a useless session just to pull the rug under them by “lifting” the martial law she declared beforehand. She played around with the Supreme Court by giving them a fait accompli and rendering the case “moot.”
Mga warlord, inaruga ng mga rehimeng tuta ng Imperyalismong US (tags)
Matagal nang kilala ang angkang Ampatuan sa pagiging mababagsik na warlord. Subalit pinasahol pa ito ng naghaharing rehimeng Arroyo. Bago maganap ang madugong masaker sa Maguindanao, mahigpit na nakapailalim sa kapangyarihang pyudal-militar ng warlord na angkang Ampatuan ang prubinsyang ito at ang Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Mula pa noong dekada 1930, sa panahon ng tuwirang kolonyalismo ng US ay naghahari na sa mga bahaging iyon ng Mindanao ang angkan. Mahigpit silang nakikipagtulungan sa mga pwersang militar, paramilitar at pulisya ng sunud-sunod na papet na reaksyunaryong rehimen. Pinakabase ng pampulitikang kapangyarihan nila ang sangkatlo ng mga munisipalidad sa prubinsya ng Maguindanao.
Resist Arroyo's martial law and brazen attempts to remain in power (tags)
EPCC news learned today that the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today called on the people to resist Gloria Arroyo's proclamation of martial law in Maguindanao as well as her brazen attempts to remain in power. "Gloria Arroyo's martial law in Maguindanao is an attack on the people, not serving justice on the Ampatuan clan, and thus must be confronted with a strong movement of the people," said Fr. Santiago Salas, NDF-EV spokesperson. "It is in line with Arroyo's avowal to remain in power, through running for congress and other opportunist acts in her favor. The people must thus do their utmost and fight Arroyo and martial law today and in the coming months. The people must raise the clamor for Arroyo's ouster the more she remains intransigent." Fr. Salas averred that the martial law proclamation was a ploy in Arroyo's favor. "Declaring martial law will not render justice to the victims of the massacre or make the election better in Maguindanao, where many believed the Ampatuans and Arroyo connived in 2004 and 2007 for their mutual interests. It is instead an act of the superior taking charge over the messy affairs of the subordinate to ensure the survival of their common interests, especially keeping Arroyo in power.
Martial Law declaration in Maguindanao - most dangerous political power play for Arroyo (tags)
When will peace reign in Mindanao? Martial Law declaration in Maguindanao - most dangerous political power play for Arroyo With “looming rebellion” as the questionable legal basis for the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao, President Arroyo is setting the stage for the most dangerous political power play in her collapsing regime. Obviously, it is a pilot test that-depending on the public reaction-may as well be declared all over the Philippines. With regard to Maguindanao massacre, the Department of Justice filed rebellion charges against the Ampatuans-a device meant to justify the Martial Law declaration (existence of rebellion and related reasons) even if it is clear that the massacre was not a political case but pure and simple mass murder, a genocide. The rebellion charges may be intended to appease the Ampatuans instead of treating them as mass murderers.
Philippine Govt creating a climate of fear to put country under Martial law (tags)
Philippine Democratic Left Parties statements regarding Ampatuan Massacre and the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao
LABANAN ANG BATAS MILITAR AT LAHAT NG PAKANA NG PASISTANG REHIMENG US-ARROYO NA PALAWIGIN (tags)
“ Nililikha naming ang krisis. Ginagawa naming ito at pinatatakbo”- Mike Arroyo. Kaisa ng mamamayang Pilipino at lahat ng demokratikong organisasyon sa Pilipinas ang Alyansa-Pilipina (AJLPP) upang kondenahin at labanan ang E.O. 1959 na nagdedeklara ng batas militar at pagsusupindi ng writ of habeas corpus sa Maguindanao. Huli na at mali pa ang hakbang ng Rehimeng pilit kunwaring nagbabangong puri sa kawalanghiyaan nito. Nais lamang ilatag ng deklarasyong ito ang planong pagpapalawak ng batas militar sa hinaharap. Inilalatag din nito ang mga maniobrang legal upang gawing legal ang pasistang paghahari ng pangkating Arroyo sa hinaharap.
THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
A commentary on the Nov 23 slaughter of 57 civilians in Maguindanao, Philipppines, sketching the historical parameters of the event and the converging political and social forces involved, with a focus on the U.S. role in establishing the groundwork for the evils of the prevailing Arroyo state terrorism.
Fight Violence against Women and Defenseless Civilians Dismantle Warlord Dynasties (tags)
-KAISA KA is enraged by the gruesome massacre in the boundary of Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Magindanao the other day that included more than 20 women among its victims. This is the first ever slaughter after Bud Bagsak and Bud Dajo massacres that killed this big number of women in just one day. The killing of defenseless civilians in their numbers, some of them did not even belong to the party that filed an opposition certificate of candidacy, their speed in burying the dead using government backhoe with the name of the governor printed on it and the inability of the military to prevent this from happening show the barbarity of the perpetrators and immense power they have at their disposal.
INT’L JOURNALISTS TO MONITOR MASSACRE CASE PROGRESS (tags)
AJLPP News learned today that Human rights and journalists organizations worldwide lashed out at the Arroyo administration yesterday for creating “a culture of impunity” that led to the massacre of at least 57 persons in Maguindanao province that included 30 journalists. An international delegation of journalists led by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) will monitor the progress of the prosecution of those responsible for the carnage which the IFJ called as the biggest single atrocity against journalists in recent history. Amnesty International (AI) said the government must urgently ensure that witnesses are protected and safeguard vital forensic evidence to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr, a member of the powerful Ampatuan family that has dominated local politics in Maguindanao province in the country’s restive Mindanao region, is now under arrest and faces multiple murder charges. He has denied involvement in the massacre.
AJLPP CONDEMNS THE US-ARROYO’S KID GLOVES HANDLING OF AMPATUANS (tags)
The Alliance –Philippines or the AJLPP condemns in the strongest posssible terms barbaric massacre perpetrated by the Ampatuan warlord dynasty in Maguindanao last November 22, 2009. The massacre victimized 62 ( at the present count) that includes 27 members of the Philippine press, 22 women who were all raped and mutilated and 15 bystanders who happened to be passing the scene. Arturo P. Garcia. West Coast coordinator of the Alliance said that "the AJLPP is one with the National Press Club (NPC) and other democratic forces in the Philippines in condemning “this senseless act of political violence. " “The massacre proved again the naked truth. That warlords and their dynasties led by the Arroyo dynasty in Pampanga is very much alive in the Philippines. Arroyo also heads the biggest private army composed of the AFP and the PNP in the Philippines” Garcia said The Alliance squarely blamed the US-Arroyo regime for the massacre and believes that this massacre is very common of the human rights violations under the US-Arroyo regime.
Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino for the next Philippine President (tags)
An administration that shall not enter into any compromises with Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA), her family and her cronies. A government that shall commit to reverse the political and economic damages wrought by the Arroyo administration. A political leadership that shall use its authority and shall exercise political will to introduce basic reforms that would restore our faith in our own capacity to lead decent and honorable lives.
JUSTICE FOR FR. CECILIO LUCERO OF SAMAR (tags)
Nakiisa ang Pesante-USA sa pamilya at mga kaibigan ng pinaslang na tagapagtanggol ng karapatang-tao na si Fr. Cecilio Lucero nang gunitain ang ika-40 araw ng kanyang kamatayan nitong Oktubre 15. Si Fr. Lucero ay pinuno ng Human Rights Desk ng Social Action Center ng dyosesis ng Catarman at tagapangulo ng Task Force on Peace and Order ng Northern Samar Peace and Development Forum (NSPDF). Pinatay siya ng pasistang militar dahil sa matapang at tahasan niyang pagtuligsa sa mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao. May ilang pagkakataong tumulong siya sa pagsasampa o siya mismo ang nagsampa ng mga kaso laban sa militar. Bago siya barilin, malaon na siyang minamanmanan ng mga operatibang militar at paniktik ng pasistang estado.
KATARUNGAN PAA KAY FR.CECILIO LUCERO NG SAMAR (tags)
Nakiisa ang Pesante-USA sa pamilya at mga kaibigan ng pinaslang na tagapagtanggol ng karapatang-tao na si Fr. Cecilio Lucero nang gunitain ang ika-40 araw ng kanyang kamatayan nitong Oktubre 15. Si Fr. Lucero ay pinuno ng Human Rights Desk ng Social Action Center ng dyosesis ng Catarman at tagapangulo ng Task Force on Peace and Order ng Northern Samar Peace and Development Forum (NSPDF). Pinatay siya ng pasistang militar dahil sa matapang at tahasan niyang pagtuligsa sa mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao. May ilang pagkakataong tumulong siya sa pagsasampa o siya mismo ang nagsampa ng mga kaso laban sa militar. Bago siya barilin, malaon na siyang minamanmanan ng mga operatibang militar at paniktik ng pasistang estado.
PHILIPPINES: Melissa Roxas' fighting stance against Arroyo regime (tags)
Melissa Roxas, member of BAYAN-USA and the cultural group Habi Arts in Los Angeles, California, returned to the country on July 20 to face head on those who abducted and tortured her and her two companions and pursue the cases she has filed against them. She attended a Court of Appeals hearing on her petition for a writ of amparo. She also testified before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Committee on Human Rights of the House of Representatives regarding her abduction and torture.
Arroyo government plotted and carried out Fr. Lucero's murder- NDF-EV (tags)
-The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today , September 7, accused the Arroyo government of planning and carrying out the dastardly murder of Fr. Cecilio Lucero, a well-known peace and human rights advocate who served as parish priest of Catubig town and chairman of the human rights committee of the Catarman diocese in Northern Samar. Fr. Lucero was shot and killed by assailants in bonnets and military uniform in San Jose, Northern Samar, yesterday Sept. 6 while his two companions were wounded. "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself virtually signed Fr. Lucero's death warrant," said Fr. Santiago Salas, NDF-EV spokesperson.
STOP YOUR SUPPORT TO HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATOR AND CORRUPT US-Arroyo Regime (tags)
Deeply inspired by your promise of “Change We Could Believe In” during the last presidential campaign we would like to reiterate our support to your administration. We believed you would put a stop to the bankrupt policies espoused by your opponent, Senator John McCain and his fellow Republicans. With regard to the Philippines, our country of ancestry, we hoped that the “Change” you were talking about would mean a re-thinking of U.S. support for the administration of incumbent President Gloria Arroyo, whose record of corruption and violation of human rights has now surpassed that of the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos.
NTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION SAYS : Rebellion, crime raps vs solons, harassment (tags)
PESANTE NEWS reported from news sources from MANILA today that Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) said that the Rebellion charges and other criminal cases filed against four progressive party-list lawmakers were all meant to impair their capacity to perform their tasks as members of the House of Representatives. The four lawmakers raised the concern before the IPU in 2007 after the government filed rebellion charges against them for their alleged involvement in the foiled plot to overthrow the Arroyo administration in February 2006. The the international body then urged the Arroyo administration to act on the cases with dispatch or right away clear Representatives Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casino of Bayan Muna, Liza Maza of Gabriela, and Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis.
Filipino Veterans rejects GMA loyalist Corpus as OVA Chief (tags)
Different veterans groups in the United Stares protests the appointment of retired general Victor Corpus to the RP Embassy by the Philippine president Gloria M. Arroyo. Present Office of the Veterans Affairs (OVA) person is Ret. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana is being replaced by a known GMA psychopath, retired ISAFP general Victor Corpus. Corpus is a know loyal GMA supporter.
PESANTE CONDEMNS MYMAR COURT DECISION ON AUNG SAN SUU KYI (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA strongly condemns the ‘s Myanmar court decision to convict Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday ( Aug 12 in Asia) of violating her house arrest by allowing an uninvited American to stay at her home. The head of the military-ruled country ordered the democracy leader to serve an 18-month sentence under house arrest. Pesante-USA exclaimed that “ The decision puts into shame the Obama-Arroyo meeting in which Obama congratulated Philippine president Gloria M. Arroyo on the Philippine advocacy for Aung San and Burma’s human rights situation”. Pesante pointed out: “ The US adherance on human rights for Burma is just lip service as it ignores the tragic human rights situation and the abuses of the Philippine military and Arroyo’s “culture of impunity” against all human rights victims in the Philippines.
ARROYO ORDERS AFP TO WIPE OUT NPA IN SAMAR/NEGROS (tags)
More clashes are expected between government soldiers and communist rebels following President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo’s order for the military to wipe out guerrillas in Samar. Ms. Arroyo issued the order to the military at a visit to Samar last week before she went to her trip abroad. This was according to Lt. Col. Oscar Lasangue, head of the 3rd Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In a phone interview Tuesday, Lasangue said Samar and Negros Island were priorities in the counterinsurgency campaign. He said the military’s job was to reduce rebel strength to allow the Philippine National Police to take over the fight against the communists. The communist New People’s Army, however, insisted on its continued strength in a statement posted on its website.
PGMA CONSOLIDATES US FORCES, MEET AND GREET FIL-AM COMMUNITY (tags)
"Ati cupong singsing, metunyan timpukan" With the Kapampangan music sung by the choir, amidst heavy security and with a intimate mostly Kapampangan crowd, Philippine President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo met and greets the Filipino American community in Los Angeles in a breakfast meeting at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel last Saturday, June 20. The President paid tribute to the Filipino American overseas workers PGMA also mentioned the fact that “ more than two-thirds (2/3) of all overseas remittances to the Philippines comes from the more than3 million Filipinos in the United States.” She also acknowledges that these remittances keeps the Philippine economy floating.
On the 148th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal: To Rebel is justified (tags)
“There are no tyrants if there are no slaves” We are one with the Filipino people in commemoration of the 148th birth anniversary of the great Filipino patriot, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. His birth anniversary is significant indeed in the turbulent times the nation is facing. Our situation hardly changed. This time, we are not under a colonial Spanish masters but under the tyranny of a local despot named Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo who serves at the pleasure of her US imperialist masters. Instead of the dreaded Spanish Guardia Civil, we have the obedient Armed Forces and the PNP that wrecked havoc on the people.
US HAS A HAND ON PROPOSED CHARTER CHANGE (tags)
In a press conference held on Monday June 2, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said the U.S. military’s partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can be used as a model in fighting terrorism worldwide. Gates made the statement during his visit to Manila for a high level meeting with his Philippine counterpart - Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. Clearly this was a vote of confidence on the Arroyo regime's on-going war against legitimate people's movements in the Philippines from a key member of the Obama Team himself. Emboldened by Gate's statement and promise of continuing military assistance from the United States, on June 3, against the backdrop of worsening economic crisis, of intensifying political killings and forced disappearances and escalating military conflict in Southern Philippines - in a brazen act of indifference and cowardice - the Arroyo controlled congress passed House Resolution 1109 which turned the lower house into a constituent assembly. This will make it possible for the U.S.- Arroyo regime to tinker with the 1987 constitution to further tighten and continue their stranglehold on the country and its people.
STOP THE US- INSPIRED ARROYO CHARTER CHANGE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
The Alliance –Philippines (AJLPP) strongly condemns the US Imperialism and its fascist puppet-Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo in meddling and direct intervention in the political process in the Philippines. The US government is pushing for Charter Change by amending the 1987 constitution. We in the Filipino American community add our voices and militantly are in solidarity with the Filipino people in stopping and exposing the US-inspired charter change that seeks to perpetuate GMA in power. The AJLPP noted that it was very evident last June 1, 2009 when the GMA controlled House of Representatives passed resolution 1109 that will convene Congress into a constituent assembly to amend the 1987 constitution.
Troop additions meant to suppress protests against Cha-cha (tags)
---The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today belittled the 8th Infantry Division's push for troop additions and said that the real purpose for new soldiers is to suppress the people's protests against charter change or "cha-cha". "It is not credible for Gen. Arthur Tabaquero to say that an additional 600 soldiers will ensure government victory by 2010," said Fr. Santiago Salas, NDF-EV spokesperson. "During the Marcos dictatorship, the New People's Army in Samar alone thrived while fighting against government troops numbering more than twice the present military deployment in the island. The revolutionary movement today is far stronger than it was more than twenty years ago and is fast expanding in Samar and Leyte. The real reason for additional troops is to put down protests against impending charter change and to ensure by armed force that Gloria Arroyo will remain in power beyond 2010. More troops will mean more political killings and other human rights violations."
US- Arroyo Regime Replicating Dictator Marcos Charter Change Circa 1973 (tags)
In 1973, after declaring martial law, dictator Marcos changed the 1935 constitution. Today-2009, GMA will change it after a legislative coup in the lower house of Congress. The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA based in the United States is one with the Filipino American community in vehemently condemning in the strongest terms US Imperialism and its fascist puppet-Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo in blatant direct intervention in the political process in the Philippines. The US government is pushing for Charter Change by amending the 1987 constitution.
Progressive Party Lists solons vow to oppose Palparan’s entry to House (tags)
Militant and Progressive party list bloc lawmakers yesterday continued to express their opposition to the upcoming entry of retired Army Gen. Jovito Palparan as representative of Bantay party-list group and Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, the younger sister of First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, as representative of party-list group Ang Kasangga. According to Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza and Anak Pawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, Palparan has no place in the House of Representatives. “The proclamation of Lulu Arroyo and Palparan as party-list representatives shows the shameless bastardizing of the party-list system by Malacañang. Since when did they represent the marginalized and underrepresented sectors?” Maza said.
ARROYO'S NEW POLITICAL CIRCUS; COL> MANCAO AS A STATE WITNESS ON DACER-CORBITO CASE (tags)
In a new political circus staged-managed by US puppet Arroyo, self-exiled police superintendent Cezar Mancao II said he agreed to become a state witness to the Dacer-Corbito double murder case and will no longer contest the extradition applied for by the Philippine government against him. The Alliance-Philippines sources learned that Legal counsel Arnedo Valera, Esq. based in Virginia revealed that upon agreement with the Department of Justice, Mancao executed an affidavit on February 14, 2009, revealing significant facts and names of individuals alleged involved in the murder of Salvador Dacer and his driver Corbito in 2000.
PHILIPPINES: Thousands of Women Marched to Demand Full Employment (tags)
Amidst a deepening economic crisis engendered by the global financial meltdown, thousands of women workers belonging to the Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) poured out into the streets of key Manila, Cebu, Davao, General Santos and Cotabato, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day to demand full employment and equality between women and men.
NDF CONDEMNS PITAO MURDER IN MINDANAO (tags)
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines condemns in the strongest terms the abduction and brutal murder of 20-year-old Rebelyn Pitao, daughter of Lencio Pitao, Commander of the New People's Army. We hold Mrs. Gloria Arroyo and Executive Secretary, General Eduardo Ermita responsible for this dastardly violation of Rebelyn Pitao's right to life. It is likewise a blatant violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
PARDON OF AQUINO KILLERS-AN ACT OF A VENGEFUL REGIME (tags)
Makati Mayor and United Opposition (UNO) president Jejomar Binay yesterday described Mrs. Arroyo’s grant of pardon to the soldiers convicted of killing former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino as an act of “petty vindictiveness.” “Pinersonal na ni Mrs. Arroyo si Presidente Cory,” Binay said. “Just to spite former President Aquino, Mrs. Arroyo has committed an injustice to the memory of Ninoy, the Aquino family and to the people,” he said.
AJLPP CONDEMNS ARRO ON EDSA 1mes (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) vehemently condemns President Arroyo’s assertions that there should not be anymore EDSA. Referring to the People’s Revolt against dictator Marcos in 1986. Mrs. Arroyo abhorred another EDSA after she herself was propelled into power by another EDSA in 2001 against former President Joseph Estrada For the AJLPP based in the United States, “ For tyrant afraid of people’s power that placed she in power and now threatens her with another uprising, Mrs. Arroyo’s statement is a proof of her alienation to the public.”
AJLPP DISPUTES ARROYO'S STAND ON EDSA UPRISING (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines disputes President Arroyo;s assertions that there should not be anymore EDSA. Referring to the People’s Revolt against dictator Marcos in 1986, Arroyo abhorred another EDSA after she herself was propelled into power by another EDSA in 2001 againt former President Joseph Estrada
ARROYO"S NEW BASELINE IS A SELLOUT TO CHINA (tags)
The Philippine revolutionary movement today slammed the 2009 Baseline Bill, saying that it kowtows to the demands of the Chinese government for the Philippines to surrender its claim of sovereignty over the Kalayaan Islands (Spratly Islands, in international nomenclature) and nearby Scarborough Shoals. The bill was approved Wednesday by the Senate and House of Representatives and will soon be signed into law by Arroyo. The statement that came from the Philippine revolution. net said :"This is nothing but a sellout to China in exchange for the largesse that Gloria and Mike Arroyo have been receiving from corrupt Chinese bureaucrats and big compradors," said the Filipino revolutionary movement represented by the CPP.
ARROYO SNUBBED AGAIN BY OBAMA (tags)
US President Barack Obama is proving to be a very elusive prey for a Philippine President supposedly dogging him for a meeting. Instead Arroyo met withUS State Secretary Clinton. Ms Arroyo briefed Clinton on the government’s refocusing the campaign for peace in Mindanao from the armed groups to dialogues with communities, and that engagement with insurgent groups like the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would be about “disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation”.
PGMA-POOR COPYCAT OF DICTATOR MARCOS (tags)
President Gloria M. Arroyo is leading the Philippines-the Marcos Way. Pesante-USA scored today the apparent terrible insensitivity and serous callousness of Gloria Arroyo and her penchant for following the way of dictator Ferdinand Marcos in her wild dream of perpetuating herself in power, the way Marcos tried to do during his dictatorial regime.
PESANTE SUPPORT ECHANIS FAST (tags)
Filipino Peasant advoccy group based in LA, Pesante-USA fully and militantly support peasant leader Randall Echanis who is holding a protest fast inside the Manila City Jail on Wednesday to mark the first year of what he said was his "very unjust" detention. "Pesante-USA is one and in solidarity with all activist organizations, relatives and sympathizers who also went on a fast and camped out in front of the Supreme Court along Padre Faura Street in Manila to call for the release of 60-year-old Echanis and denounce the Arroyo administration's "fascist stance" against activists." said, Arturo P. Garcia Pesante-USA coordinator
PESANTE SUPPORT ECHANIS FAST (tags)
Filipino Peasant advoccy group based in LA, Pesante-USA fully and militantly support peasant leader Randall Echanis who is holding a protest fast inside the Manila City Jail on Wednesday to mark the first year of what he said was his "very unjust" detention. "Pesante-USA is one and in solidarity with all activist organizations, relatives and sympathizers who also went on a fast and camped out in front of the Supreme Court along Padre Faura Street in Manila to call for the release of 60-year-old Echanis and denounce the Arroyo administration's "fascist stance" against activists." said, Arturo P. Garcia Pesante-USA coordinator
PHILIPPINE POLITICS HEATS UP FOR MAY 2010 ELECTIONS (tags)
PHILIPPINE POLITICS HEATS UP FOR MAY 2010 ELECTIONS (tags)
The political in-fighting among the reactionary political formations are bound to sharpen as the US-Arroyo ruling clique tries to consolidate its forces and probably rig the May 2010 elections as in 2004. With the Arroyo ruling clique at the top, three political formations are gearing up for the 2010 Presidential elections. These are the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (KAMPI) of the fake president Arroyo, the Lakas-NUCD of ex-president Ramos and the Nationalist People's Coalition of the old Marcos crony Eduardo Cojuangco.
ARROYO's SON LED LOBBY AGAINST LAND REFORM (tags)
The eldest child of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Rep. Mikey Arroyo of Pampanga province, was the leader of the landlord lobby in the House of Representatives that resulted in the demise of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), a militant party-list congressman claimed Friday. Rep. Satur Ocampo of the Bayan Muna party-list group said, “In the first all-party caucus in the middle of the year, [Speaker Prospero Nograles] called for an initial straw vote by asking the representatives to stand up. Mikey Arroyo led those who voted against CARP extension.”
AJLPP SUPPORTS DEC 12 MASS ACTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Today, in commemoration of International Human Rights Day all over the world the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) based in the United States and the Filipino American community also strongly and militantly supports the mass actions on December 12th against the charter change in the Philippines. We stand in solidarity with stalwarts of the opposition and all the progressive lawmakers for standing up against tyrant puppet of the US Imperialist Gloria Arroyo and her cohorts who wanted to change the charter by unlawful means.
SCARED GMA RAN AWAY TO PERU AS FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY PICKETS (tags)
OUST GMA, YOU’RE OUSTED! YOU’RE BUSTED! US puppet Gloria Arroyo just ran scared as she always does, this time to the APEC meeting in Lima, Peru. This while hundreds of activist from the ALLIANCE for a JUST and LASTING PEACE in the PHILIPPINES (AJLPP), ANSWER-LA and GABNET/LA and their allies turned out in full force Friday, November 21, 2008, 6 PM, with a picket and a rally in front of the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045, to protest her supposed reception for the community in the US.
GMA RAN AWAY SCARED TO PERU AS FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY WITH THE AJLPP RALLY/PICKETS AT (tags)
OUST GMA, YOU’RE OUSTED! YOU’RE BUSTED! US puppet Gloria Arroyo just ran scared and as she always does to the APEC meeting in Lima, Peru. This while hundreds of activist from the ALLIANCE for a JUST and LASTING PEACE in the PHILIPPINES (AJLPP), ANSWER-LA and GABNET and their allies turned out in full force Friday, November 21, 2008, 6 PM, with a picket and a rally in front of the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045, to protest her supposed community reception to the community in the US.
PROTEST US-ARROPO REGIME, NOV.20 (tags)
Join us to protest US puppet Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo! DATE: Friday, November 21, 2008 TIME: 5:00pm PLACE: Sheraton LAX Gateway Hotel.6101 West Century Blvd. LA, CA 90045
ENRILE, TUTA NI MARCOS NOON< GALAMAY NI ARROYO NGAYON (tags)
Para Pesante -USA at sa mga mamayang Pilipino sa Amerika , ang pag-akyat ni Senador Juan Ponce-Enrile bilang Pangulo ng Senado ay pagbabadya ng mga masamang pangitain para sa bayan. Para sa isang tampok na tagapagtanggol at alyado ni Arroyo, ang pagpapalit ng pinuno sa Senado ay hudyat ng mga maniobra sa pulitika lalo na sa pagpapalit ng sistema ng gobyerno bago mag-2010
PAHAYAG NG PESANTE-USA SA PLANONG PAGPAPALAYA KAY ROLITO GO (tags)
Saksakan ng kawalang walang budhi at sadyang maiitim ang buto. Kung mailalarawan lamang ng mga salitang ito ang mga kagagawan ng rehimeng Arroyo, marahil sasapat na sabihin kung gaano kasama ang ginagawa ng rehimen sa mga mamamayan nito. Baka parang asin na natunaw na sila kung sila ay may kahihiyan. Sukdulan na ang pagiging walanghiya ang rehimen. Matapos bigyan ng patawad ang mga nagkasalang kriminal tulad nina Manero, Martinez , Claudio Teehanke Jr. na walang awang pumatay ng dalawang kabataan noong 1991. At ngayon naman plano diumano ng rehimeng Arroyo na palayain si Rolito Go.
Very few people know that the US military is directly involved in the fierce fighting going on in the Philippines between the Moro insurgents and the corrupt and brutal Arroyo regime supported by the Bush neocons and the warmongering Pentagon planners. Will you continue to allow US tax dollars to be wasted in this barbaric genocidal war against indigenous peoples? Over a thousand extrajudicial killings and "forced disappearances" under Arroyo's tenure, plus a few hundred Muslims dead as "collateral damage," may be the signs of US "benevolent hegemony" (Robert Kagan) and US "magnanimous imperial power" (Dinesh D'Souza). McKinley's "Benevolent Assimilation" lives on!
Philippine Government Launches New War on Muslim Groups (tags)
War officially came to southern Philippines again as the government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo unilaterally put an end to eleven years of negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) September 3. A month early the government abruptly broke off talks with the MILF on the eve of signing an autonomy pact. There are numerous reports of U.S. Special Forces accompanying Philippines Army units on their deadly sweeps in the Bangsamoro (land of the Moro people) region. More than 100 people have been killed so far and half a million refugees have fled from the fighting. Bourgeois liberals and the petty-bourgeois left lamely call on the government to resume the “peace process,” which in any case was only intended to wear down the insurgents. Revolutionaries instead seek to mobilize Philippine workers to drive out all U.S. forces, whatever their legal status; to force the withdrawal of the AFP from the contested southern areas; and to defend the Bangsamoro people and their right to self-determination.
The National Democratic Front (NDF) in Southern Mindanao hits the Arroyo regime for feigning innocence and doublespeak while covertly sponsoring the resurgence of vigilante groups like the notorious Ilaga, now called the Reform Ilaga Movement. Mike Santiago, spokesperson of the Reform Ilaga Movement, recently announced they will heed the call of North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol of "restraining themselves from intervening in the already worse situation in Mindanao but would immediately take action once civilians are attacked by members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)." Ilaga, civilian volunteers' organization and police auxiliaries will be trained as fanatic fascist frontliners of the Arroyo regime. These groups will be used to wreak havoc not only against members of the MILF and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-NDF (CPP-NPA-NDF), but more against the Bangsamoro people, indigenous peoples and settlers in Mindanao.
The US-Arroyo regime is responsible for the death and damages caused by the war in Mindana (tags)
-The people must concentrate their anger and condemnation on the US-Arroyo regime as directly responsible on the deaths and damages of the people in Mindanao caused by the escalation of the armed clashes between the AFP and the MILF. The problem can be rooted to the US-dictated two pronged militarist policy of the regime which is the all-out war against the revolutionary movement led by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) while neutralizing the Moro seccessionist movement of the MILF thru a deceptive and bogus peace process to finish the revolutionary movement in 2010. The militarist clique in the Arroyo regime never expected that the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) will ignite the chaos and war in Mindanao. This secret and hasty deal resulted to violent reaction and opposition from the pro and anti-Arroyo reactionary camp and the fake president will even face impeachment because of violations of the constitution. Arroyo got the worst fear of losing her warlord allies in Mindanao that helped her cheat the 2004 elections. Her ulterior motive of using the MOA-AD as a stepping stone for charter change (cha-cha) to remain in Malacanang was also exposed. The MILF's disgust and anger have basis when it was proven that the Arroyo regime is not sincere in the peace talks and on the agreement on ancestral domain and instead used these as a trap to demobilized and surrender of MILF.
On the Ancestral Land MOA of the MILF and GRP and the Escalation of Hostilities (tags)
The Cordillera Peoples' Democratic Front (CPDF) expresses deep concern and condemns the war of aggression being waged by the US-backed reactionary Armed Forces of the Philippines that has caused the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of both Christian and Moro people in Mindanao. It likewise condemns US direct intervention in the war-torn south.
Frustrate Arroyo's Cha-cha and All out War (tags)
By declaring all-out military offensive against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front days after unravelling moves to amend the GRP Constitution, Gloria Arroyo has thoroughly exposed her shameless ambition to perpetuate herself in power. Militarization and federalism will not solve the problems of Mindanao and the Moro people; they will only aggravate them. Arroyo and her minions attempt to play their cards well. They try to up the sagging morale of AFP troops after losing to many tactical offensives by the New People's Army by now chest-beating against the MILF and its commanders.
Usapang pangkapayapaan sa MILF (tags)
Panloloko, pagtatraydor at pananabotahe ang ginagawa ng rehimeng Arroyo sa usapang pangkapayapaan nito sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Kunwa'y nakikipagnegosasyon ito sa MILF pero ang tunay na pakay ng rehimeng Arroyo ay gamitin ang prosesong pangkapayapaan para muling itulak ang pakana nitong charter change o pagbabago ng konstitusyon. Sakaling bumalik sa puspusang paglulunsad ng armadong pakikibaka ang MILF, gagamitin din itong sangkalan ni Arroyo para makapaglunsad ng todo-todong opensibang militar at magpataw ng emergency rule kundiman batas militar.
Gloria "Makapal" Arroyo's SONA: as usual and of course (tags)
As usual, Gloria Arroyo resorted to lies, stage gimmicks, misrepresentation, misdirection, and statistical hocus pocus to conceal the true state of the nation. Of couse, she again did all these with her characteristic overbearing aplomb. As usual, she blamed the global crisis for the current national crisis. Of course, she failed to mention her role in implementing the imperialist policies of globalization, liberalization, and VAT collection that have led to greater impoverishment, hunger, and desperation among the Filipino masses.
MILF asks gov’t to postpone ARMM election (tags)
Before the peace talks ended yesterday, July 17, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel had asked the Philippine government through its chief peace negotiator, Secretary Rodolfo Garcia, to postpone the forthcoming election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in August 11 in deference to the ongoing GRP-MILF Peace Talks. The request was relayed by the MILF chief peace negotiator, Mohagher Iqbal, in tandem with their decision to forego with the word “freedom” that finally sealed the marathon talks on ancestral domain. The talks protracted for three years and seven months, which had been interrupted not only by impasses but also by intermittent skirmishes on the ground.
STOP US TAX DOLLARS FUNDING REPRESSION IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Thanks to Bush, US ciizens' tax dollars are being wasted funding the corrupt and brutal Arroyo regime in the Philippines. Arroyo has been condemned by Amnesty International. Human Rights Watch, Asia Commission on Human Rights, World Council of Churches ,UN Rapporteurs, and numerous organizations for committing thousands of extra-judicial murders of lawyers, journalists, church people, women and union organizers, indigenous minority peoples. We need to put a stop to this outrageous inhumanity.
GMA- TUTA NA, MANHID PA (tags)
Kasuka-suka at kasuklam-suklam ang ipinakitang sukdulang pagpapakatuta ni Gloria Arroyo sa kanyang imperyalistang amo nang bumisita siya sa US nitong huling linggo ng Hunyo. Sa kasagsagan ng pananalasa ng bagyong "Frank" sa Pilipinas, nilustay ni Arroyo ang kabang-yaman ng bayan sa walang kapararakan, magastos at magarbong pagbyahe. Malawakang galit at kaliwa't kanang batikos ang inudyok ng labis niyang pagwawalambahala sa kapakanan ng nagdurusang mamamayang Pilipino.
BUSH SENDS NUCLEAR AIRCRAFT CARRIER TO THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
With the subservience of the Arroyo regime, Bush continues the political-military intervention in the "killing field" of the Philippines, wasting millions of tax-dollars in suppressing the Moro insurgents and Filipino national-democrats, abetting the horrendous extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances and widespread poverty and oppression, all in the name of the war against "terrorism," a code-word for popular resistance against global capital's greed and inhumane devastation of the planet.
Highlights of the US State Visit of President Arroyo of the Philippines (tags)
If we have to assess the highlights of the 10-day state visit of President Macapagal-Arroyo to the United States, we can sum it up in several points. Besides securing $ 700 million loans, talking with US investors and visiting her fellow Filipino psychopaths, one important agenda of PGMA in her visit are the “ getting to know you” meetings with the US Democratic Party presumptive presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican Senator John McCain. Highlights of the US State Visit of President Arroyo of the Philippines
Los Angeles Anti-Arroyo RAT Smells a Foul Regime (tags)
Philippine Consulate, Los Angeles – The anti-Arroyo RATs – "Rapid Action Team" traced the foul scent in the thick smoggy air of Los Angeles to the rotten Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) regime. Filipino Americans and their allies gathered around a trashcan with GMA situated in the middle indicating that it is "Time to Take Out the Trash."
PGMA-Bush Summit, A Meeting of Terrorist (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) condemns in the strongest terms possible the President Arroyo of the Philippines and US President Bush summit on June 24 in Washington DC and the coming President Arroyo’s visit to the United States from June 23 -27, 2008.The Arroyo-Bush summit is a meeting of two terrorist. It is a meeting of the most unpopular presidents in their respective countries, a summit between a colonial master and a puppet. Up for discussions are colonial relations, pure and simple. The Filipino people stand nothing to gain from such a meeting of two of the most criticized leaders in the world
Ex-Cabinet officials: Arroyo worse than Marcos in abuse (tags)
The Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO) issued a statement Saturday night, hitting President Arroyo’s "abuse" of her appointing powers. The FSGO is a group of around 100 former senior officials, from the Marcos government to the Arroyo administration, advocating good governance. The officials also alleged that Arroyo’s record on appointing officials not based on competence and merit is even worse than the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
No to military offensive in Mindanao (tags)
Bishops from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) yesterday cautioned the Arroyo government on engaging in an all-out military offensive against the Muslim rebels and bandits in Mindanao, saying such action could have repercussions on the “peace-building” efforts of the inter-religious groups in the region. “Conflicts cannot be resolved simply by military might. Conflicts can be solved by mutual understanding,” CBCP president Angel Lagdameo said during the 12th Asia Pacific Policy Forum on the “Role of Youth in Peace Building” held yesterday at the Australian Embassy at RCBC Plaza in Makati City. The event was attended by Australian officials led by Ambassador Rod Smith, student leaders, CBCP president Lagdameo, CBCP chairman on Inter-Religious dialog Antonio Ledesma, members of academe and non-government organizations.
On the 110th Independence Day of the Philippines, June 12, 2008 (tags)
As Filipinos and Filipino Americans, the Alliance Philippines (AJLPP) with pride and passion, we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 and the victory of the Philippine revolution of 1896 against 333 years of Spanish colonialism and oppression. On this momentous occasion let us pay tribute to all our heroes who fought for our freedom. On this auspicious day, we remember that the Philippine flag was first displayed, the national hymn was played and the independence from Spain was proclaimed in the balcony of the home of general Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. At that time almost all of Luzon was liberated and under the control, of the revolutionary forces except for Manila and some Spanish outpost in the Visayas and in Mindanao was still holding out. The formation of the first bourgeois democratic republic in Asia on January 23, 1899 followed. But just to be destroyed by a new colonial power- the Imperialist United States of America. By waging an imperialist war of aggression against the young republic and its people from 1899 to 1913 in a “war of pacification” against the Filipinos, the United States occupied the Philippines for 48 years. The Filipinos lost almost 2 million people during the Filipino=-American War.
Ibayong lumalawak at lumalakas ang NDF (tags)
Lipos ang kagalakan ng mga rebolusyonaryong magsasaka, manggagawa, kabataan, kababaihan, maralitang komunidad, propesyunal, taong simbahan at mga kadre at kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa anibersaryo ngayon ng pagkakatatag ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Umabot na sa 34 taon ang malawak na nagkakaisang prente ng mamamayang lumalaban sa imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukrata kapitalismo. Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay sa gitna ng sinungaling na pagmamalaki ng reaksyunaryong rehimeng Arroyo na tagumpay nitong napapahina o nadudurog ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa ilalim ng kontra-mamamayang Oplan Bantay Laya. Sa kabila ng sustenidong pagtutugis, panunupil at mala-ararong pag-ooperasyon at pagbabakod ng AFP, higit pang tumatag at humusay ang kalagayan ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon.
Satur Ocampo details UN report on HRVs in Canada speech (tags)
Philippine Rep. Satur C. Ocampo (Party List, Bayan Muna), Deputy Minority Leader in the House of Representatives of the Philippines, appealed to the Canadian government to urge the Philippine Government to seriously consider the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the spate of extrajudicial killings that have been going on at an alarming rate in the Philippines over the past six years. In a speech delivered to the Filipino community at the Carr Hall of St. Michaels College of the University of Toronto, Ocampo spoke about the report submitted by Prof. Philip Alston to the United Nations on November 28, 2007.
Behind Bars: The Travails of a Political Prisoner, Randall Echanis, KMP (tags)
Randall Echanis, of the militant peasant organization the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, is not the only political prisoner of the Arroyo regime. There are currently 240 prisoners in detention by the count of Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainee Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya (SELDA), an organization dedicated to helping political prisoners.
Militants slam lifting of rice import quotas (tags)
- Militant groups on Tuesday attacked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s decision to lift rice import quota as a way to ease the rice shortage the country is reportedly experiencing. The farmers group Kilusang Mayo Uno said that removing the quota would benefit only the rice cartel, which KMP claims is behind the rice supply shortage and is allegedly manipulating prices. KMP chair Rafael Mariano explained that even with the quota of 300,000 metric tons of rice, the private sector only imported less than 10 percent of that volume over the past two years because of high world prices and local tariffs on imports.
The Present Rice Crisis in The Philippines (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA, a Filipino farmers, environmental and human rights advocacy group based in Los Angeles expressed dismay over the US-Arroyo regime’s way of solving the present rice crisis in the former rice producing nation of the Philippines. The Philippine government is going to buy two million metric tons of rice abroad at a cost of $600 or P24,600 per metric ton, that will be P49.2 billion, which is 146 times than the Philippines annual post-harvest budget. President Arroyo already released P1.5 billion to boost rice production especially in the top 10 poorest provinces. The rice will be imported- from of all places-- the United States and Vietnam.
Sumasakay ang US sa kontrobersyang anti-Arroyo upang itulak ang sariling interes (tags)
Sinasakyan ngayon ng imperyalismong US ang isyu ng korapsyon laban sa kasalukuyang papet nito n kinasasangkutan ng malalaking kontrata sa proyekto a pautang ng China sa Pilipinas upang igiit ang pang-ekonomyang interes ng US sa Pilipinas at mapanatil ang dominasyon nito sa bansa Sa artikulong “Off the Rails in the Philippines” na inilabas ng Heritage Foundation, nagbabala ang US na ang pagsuporta ng gubyernong Bush sa rehimeng Arroyo ay nakadepende sa pagtigil o malaking pagbawas nito ng mga pabor na ibinibigay sa China.
Release of 22 Chinese Fishermen Meant to Appease China, Fishers’ Group Says (tags)
The militant fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya or National Alliance of Small Fisherfolk Organizations) said on March 15 that the dismissal of the case against and the subsequent release of 22 Chinese fishermen last March 14 was meant to appease the Chinese government currently irked over the scandal and diplomatic repercussions created by the controversial Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU).
We in the Sisters' Association in Mindanao, an aggrupation of some 360 nuns coming from more than 40 congregations in Mindanao, renew our call for Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to step down. We have been unequivocal in the past. We continue to be unwavering in spite of the perceptible absence of a uniting spirit within the Church. But we are inspired by the Church as people of God where the Spirit permeates to bring about righteousness and morality in governance and in our communal life.
Health groups join anti-corruption protests in the Philippines (tags)
Health group hit the Arroyo government in the Philippines for its unbridled corruption while it continues to neglect health care and other essential social services.
Moro group hits GMA’s ‘timeline’ to end rebellion in Mindanao (tags)
A ranking official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Central Committee has criticized President Arroyo for her recent speech at the local Peace and Security Assembly in Mindanao where she reiterated her 2010 “timeline to end armed rebellion” in the region without specifically stating the current government-MILF peace process as the main component.
AJLPP Protests The Arrest of Randall Echanis, KMP Leader and a member of NDFP Peace Panel (tags)
The AJLPP through its national coordinator Mario Santos today strongly condemns the illegal arrest of Mr. Randall Echanis, KMP deputy secretary general and a member of the NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) on Social and Economic Reforms (SER), by the Arroyo regime’s police agents yesterday at Bago City, Negros Occidental. The AJLPP considered the arrest of Echanis a big blow against the cause of peace. Mr. Echanis was arrested by the PNP in Bago City while he was to attend a conference of agricultural workers in preparation for a KMP national rural congress. Negros is one the KMP’s strongest base where the National Federation Sugar Workers (NFSW) is based. He was flown by the PNP with haste to Hilongos , Leyte where he was detained.
FQSN-USA Statement on the 38th Anniversary of The First Quarter Storm (FQS) “Battle of Men (tags)
We the activist from the First Quarter Storm Network-USA remembers that thirty-eight years ago, on January 30-31, 1970 fought the Philippine police and army forces who attacked the progressive forces in what is now known in history as the Battle of Mendiola. Two years after, on September 21, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial in the Philippines and plunged the country into 14 years of dictatorship and blatant fascism. Today, Philippine president Gloria Macapagal –Arroyo is trying to institute another kind of martial law, an undeclared martial law in the guise of fighting the “US war Against Terror”. FQS activist like Randall Echanis, Elizabeth Principe, Philip Limjoco, Leo Velasco and others were arrested without charges and held in jail. Militant activist who are serving the people are being thrown in jail and incarcerated.
Transport group threatens to hold protests anew (tags)
Militant transport federation Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) yesterday denounced the Arroyo administration’s insistence that the government cannot suspend the 12-percent expanded value added tax (eVAT) on oil and other petroleum products in view of the high oil prices as it threatened to mount a series of nationwide protest actions.
AFP seeks additional troops, P3.5B to quash insurgents (tags)
President Arroyo yesterday said she is merely awaiting the recommendation of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to approve the proposal of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership to beef up its strength by six battalions to bolster the government’s campaign to stamp out the decades-old local communist insurgency. Presiding over the first AFP Command Conference of 2008 at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday morning, Mrs. Arroyo listened intently to the presentations of the military brass, led by AFP Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on the insurgency situation and other threats to national security. Esperon reported to the President that the AFP needs six more battalions and P3.5 billion to implement its “unified command” program. In addition to the six battalions, the AFP hopes to constitute 20 more Cafgu (Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit) companies to help the military fight insurgency in the countryside.
Military, police raise coup d’etat alarm anew (tags)
With the prospect of an extension of the term of Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., as the day of his retirement nears and with the Palace already preparing for the negative points as a result of this, both the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) leaders, along with the Defense and Interior chiefs, again raised the alarm on coups and destabilization moves by alleged rebel soldiers, saying moves are afoot to topple President Arroyo and her government, claiming that they obtained the information gathered by the intelligence community.
Joma Sison slams Arroyo for lying about the economic situation (tags)
Prof. Jose Maria Sison, chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, slammed Gloria M. Arroyo for lying about the Philippine economic situation by claiming that she is propelling the Philippines to become a “first world country”. Prof. Sison declared, “In utter subservience to the US-dictated policy of “neoliberal” glob” alization, she has worked against the line of national industrialization and genuine land reform and has aggravated and deepened the agrarian, pre-industrial and semi-feudal character of the Philippine economy. She has worsened the backward and impoverished “third world” conditions of the Philippines.
Arroyo's bankrupt and deceptive economic policy (tags)
Gloria M. Arroyo, the fake president, keeps on babbling that her regime is propelling the Philippines to become a "first world country". She is obviously lying.
Walang katarungan sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo (tags)
Ipinahayag ng mahigit 2,000 katao ang kanilang damdamin laban sa mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao sa mga plakard at istrimer nila. May mga nagsuot ng mga maskarang may tig-iisang letrang bumubuo ng salitang “hustisya.” Ilang metro bago ang Malacañang ay hinarang sila ng mga pulis na may suportang dalawang trak ng bumbero. Itinuloy ng mga nagmamartsa ang kanilang programa sa Morayta St. sa Sampaloc.
Pambansa-koordinadong protesta at welgang transportasyon, tagumpay! (tags)
IPINAHAYAG ng militanteng Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) ngayong umaga na tagumpay ang pambansa-koordinadong protesta at welgang transportasyon bago pa man ito sinimulan ngayong araw. Sinabi ni Elmer ‘Ka Bong’ Labog, Tagapangulo ng KMU na ang pahayag ng Department of Energy (DOE) na wala nang susunod pang pagtataas ng presyo ng langis ngayong Disyembre at anunsyo ng LPGMA o LPG Marketers Association na magrorolbak sila ng presyo ng LPG sa mga susunod na araw, sa bisperas ng pagdaraos ng welgang transportasyon ay mga malinaw na positibong mga reaksyon sa mga lehitimong panawagan at sentimyento ng mga demonstrador.
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo: Economist or Politician? (tags)
I think I’m a pretty good economist, but a very bad politician.” - by Gloria Macapacagal-Arroyo
Mahigit 16,000 biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao, naitala ng Karapatan (tags)
Iniulat ngayon ng AJLPP ayon sa tipong ulat ng KARAPATAAN, grupong nagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao na umabot sa 330 insidente ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao na bumiktima sa 16,307 katao ang naitala ng Karapatan ngayong taon 2007. Kabilang dito ang mga sumusunod
FIGHTING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FILIPINO DIGNITY (tags)
Massive human rights violations--extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, massacres, dislocation of millions of peasants and rural folk--characterize the current Arroyo regime in the Philippines. US taxdollars are paying the Arroyo military and police to carry out such barbaric practices. US citizens, concerned with human rights, ought to protest Bush/Pentagon's aid to the corrupt Arroyo administration, and demand an end to US mililtary intervention in suppressing the Moro and National Democratic Front insurgents. In the following article, Prof. E. San Juan re-affirms the necessity of upholding human rights embodied in the UN Declaration of Human Rights, which is an integral part of contemporary international law, to which every nation should adhere as member nation-states. The article pays tribute to the self-sacrificing work of thousands of Filipino activists fighting for national democracy, social justice, and genuine sovereignty, in particular the staff of KARAPATAN and its secretary-general, Marie Hilao Enriquez.
Mahigit 16,000 biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao, naitala ng Karapatan (tags)
Iniulat ngayon ng AJLPP ayon sa tipong ulat ng KARAPATAAN, grupong nagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao na umabot sa 330 insidente ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao na bumiktima sa 16,307 katao ang naitala ng Karapatan ngayong taon 2007
On The PGMA Visit To Spain (tags)
“Mas vale la cola de un leon en la cabeza de una rata” The Philippine Peasant Network (Pesante –USA) vehemently condemn the patronage displayed by King Juan Carlos I of Spain as a head of state to President Gloria Macapagal –Arroyo of the Philippines on her state visit to the former colonizer country. Pesante also revolt at the ostentatious and arrogant display of Gloria’s illusion to be royalty, act like a queen and perpetuate herself in power, it is utterly disgusting and despicable and must be condemned.
NDFP condemns abduction of NDFP consultant Elizabeth Principe (tags)
The NDFP vigorously condemns the abduction of NDFP Consultant Elizabeth Principe in broad daylight at 11:20 a.m. on 28 November 2007 in Cubao, Quezon City by eight men in black uniform similar to that used by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Philippine N
Philippines: Another Scandal rocks Arroyo regime (tags)
ZTE deal to cost US$527 million after 20 years of repayment
DUTCH FASCISM & BUSH-ARROYO STATE TERRORISM ATTACK FILIPINO REFUGEES (tags)
Colluding with U.S. & Filipino reactionaries, Dutch fascist authorities arrested Jose Maria Sison, a Filipino political refugee, and raided the National Democratic Front International Information Office in Holland. This is a clear example of State Terrorism working on behalf of predatory imperialist capital. All progressives and democrats everywhere should protest this outrage and support the Filipino people's struggle for justice, equality, and true independence.
ILITAW SI KASAMANG LEO VELASCO--FQSN (tags)
Mahigit nang anim na buwan mula nang garapalang dukutin ng mga operatibang militar ng rehimeng Arroyo si Kasamang Leo Velasco sa Cagayan de Oro City. Sa harap ng maraming tao, sapilitan siyang isinakay ng mga militar sa kanilang van, kasabay ang pagpapakilala sa sarili bilang mga pwersang panseguridad at pagbabanta sa mga tao sa paligid na "huwag makialam." Aktibista ng FQS si Ka. Leo Bilang mga aktibista ng First Quarter Storm Network sa Amerika, nagpapahayag kami ng marubdob na hangarin at panawagang Ilitaw si Ka. Leo Velasco, aktibista ng UP College of Medicine na sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (NPA) noong 1971. Dinakip siya at magpahanggang ngayon ay ayaw ilitaw ng militar. Napakarami nang beterano ng FQS ang patuloy pa ring nakikibka sa iba'tibang antas at nagpapatuloy sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong kilusan apra palayain ang bayang Pilipinas sa pangaaapi ng Imperyalistang dayuhan at kamtin ang pambansang demokrasya.
Ermita, 2 Cabinet men ‘spoilers’ of talks — MILF (tags)
he Moro Islamic Libe-ration Front (MILF) has accused the Arroyo administration of being a “spoiler” of the peace negotiations, noting that three Cabinet officials are “steering the talks to an unknown direction,” saying like before the MILF is being tricked. MILF secretariat chair-man Muhammad Ameen, in a statement posted on the group’s Web site, yesterday also doubted President Arroyo’s sincerity in signing a peace agreement before she steps down in 2010. “There are many spoilers of the peace process espe-cially in Mindanao, but all those are secondary, and the main or worst spoilers are those in the govern-ment itself,” he noted.
PAMAMASISTA NG REHIMENG-US ARROYO, LUMALALA (tags)
Patuloy na lumalala ang ang panggigipit at panunupil ng pasistang rehimeng Arroyo sa mamamayang Pilipino. Ayon sa ulat ng AJLPP mula sa iba’t-ibang panig ng Piipinas, Pinakatampok nitong Agosto ang pagmamanman at harasment sa tatlong upisyal ng Gabriela Network USA. Bagamat nakauwi na sa Amerika ang tatlong myembre ng Gabriela Network-USA, binatikos ni Kinatawan Liza Maza ang pangigipit ng estado sa isang talumpati sa mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso. Samantala, tatlong myembro rin ng Anakpawis ang dinukot sa Zamboanga del Sur habang pinag-iibayo ang panggigipit sa mamamayang Moro. Umabot na rin sa may 25,000 mamamayang Bangsa Moro sa isla ng Basilan at Sulu ang naging biktima ng pagpapalikas ng military dahil sa pinag-ibayong operasyong military ng AFP sa dalawang lugar. Mahigit na 100 sundalo na ng AFP at ng Abu Sayaff ang napatay sa sunud-sunod na labanan.
Philippine Democracy Under Arroyo’s Petty Tyranny (tags)
The rampant human rights violation under the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo government and her penchant for issuing policies that have curtailed the freedom of speech and assembly have been likened to the tyranny that reigned over our country during the time of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
ARROYO REVS UP SULU OFFENSIVE (tags)
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday remained steadfast to her administration’s all-out war against the Abu Sayyaf group and other rogue elements accused of beheading 10 of the 14 Marines who died in a July 10 firefight in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. Mrs Arroyo said the war in Mindanao, which so far claimed the lives of 25 soldiers and wounded 10 others, is not an act of vengeance but a strategy to win peace," against those who spread “mayhem" and “bloodsport" in the South. “We cannot allow terrorists to hold the South hostage to their agenda of mayhem and bloodsport," she said.
RP GOV'T TO EVICT 15.000 SQUATTER FAMILIES BY THE END OF GMA TERM (tags)
Before President Arroyo’s term ends or within the next three years, the government intends to evict and relocate some 15,000 poor families occupying road-right-of-ways and waterways in the metropolis. An inventory by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) showed a total of 84,000 families living along waterways and roadways out of the 726,906 squatter families in Metro Manila.
Joint Alliance-Philippines and International ANSWER Statement in Response to Philippine Pr (tags)
The Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) or Alliance-Philippines, and the International ANSWER Steering Committee of which it is a member, strongly denounce Bush “ally” Philippine president Gloria Arroyo for going forward with the implementation of an Anti-Terror Law (ATL), euphemistically called the Human Security Act, in the Philippines. We express our militant solidarity with the progressive forces in the Philippines who will be staging protests against Arroyo in all major cities throughout the country when she delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23. Besides spinning the usual lies and deceit about her regime’s accomplishments, US “major ally” Arroyo is expected to make the ATL the centerpiece of her SONA.
Government forces ready to foil communist attacks--PNP (tags)
Government forces are ready to thwart communist attacks, officials said following threats of more rebel offensives in response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “outright threat to use state terror.” Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Calderon on Thursday said he has ordered intensified security operations to stop the New People’s Army from staging deadly attacks on soldiers and policemen and destroying infrastructures like telecommunication towers.
Gloria Arroyo’s Economy: NOT WORKING (tags)
Today, Philippine President Gloria Arroyo will again address the Congress to give a report on the achievements of her government, and at the same time express her primary focus for the next year. As she did during her previous State of the Nation Address (SONA) speeches, she may yet again boast the economic feats of her administration, including the strengthening of the peso and the recent booming of the stock market.
Filipino workers slam Arroyo for its consistent failure to clip the jobs crisis (tags)
A dismal failure! This is the verdict of workers belonging to the Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) as they slammed the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) administration ahead of her State of the Nation Address (SONA) for its consistent failure to clip the jobs crisis.
Response to Philippine President Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23 (tags)
The Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) or Alliance-Philippines, , strongly denounce Bush “ally” Philippine president Gloria Arroyo for going forward with the implementation of an Anti-Terror Law (ATL), euphemistically called the Human Security Act, in the Philippines. Arroyo’s Puppet Hypocrisy and US Intervention AJLPP strongly denounce the hypocrisy of the US- Arroyo regime for painting a rosy picture of the Philippines while poverty, corruption and repression grips the land. The Arroyo regime pretends to be interested in resuming peace talks with both the Philippine revolutionary movement represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while it ordered an attack against the MILF. The fascist regime continues its alarming spree of extra-judicial killings (now more than 870 since Arroyo took office in 2001) against political opponents and critics, and unleashes legalized fascism against the entire Filipino people through the implementation of the Anti-Terror Law.
Philippines: On Mrs. Arroyo’s 7th State of the Nation Address (tags)
"Gloria's economy is not working." This is what the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) said of Mrs. Arroyo's flamboyant and rosy economic claims; two days shy from the Executive's 7th State of the Nation Address (SONA) this 23rd of July.
FILIPINO EDUCATOR ASSAILS ARROYO DICTATORSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
World-renowned Filipino educator Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, former president of the University of the Philippines and head of the coalition, LABAN NG MASA, urges the formation of a revolutionary transitional government to replace the corrupt, brutal and illegitimate Arroyo regime backed by Bush neocons and predatory corporate elite. The following article provides a background to Dr. Nemenzo's principled critique of U.S.-Arroyo State terrorism.
FILIPINA SENATOR ATTACKS ARROYO STATE TERRORISM IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Of distinguished progressive lineage, Senator Jamby Madrigal of the Philippines takes a principle stand critical of the Arroyo regime's bloody and brutal repression of Filipinos backed by the Bush neocons. This article provides a context for the Philippine crisis and Senator Madrigal's views on U.S. imperialism in the neocolony and its complicity with State-terrorist repression.
CBCP slams conduct of midterm elections (tags)
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed dismay yesterday over the conduct of the May 14 midterm elections, saying the challenge of credible, honest, meaningful and peaceful polls remains. CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo lamented that “vote-buying and other anomalies have already become systematic and even cultural.” He said election watchdogs, including the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), said the problem no longer lies in the voters but the voting system itself and the irresponsibility of some election officials.
ANTI TERRORISM ACT IS A LICENSE FOR AND A WEAPON OF STATE TERRORISM (tags)
The Anti-Terrorism Act (Republic Act No. 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007) is part of the global wave of fascist legislation and state terrorism generated by the so-called global war on terror under the Bush regime of the US government. Aside from being a tool of US imperialism, the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) is a repressive tool of the Arroyo regime for intimidating and suppressing the people’s democratic movement and the broad range of opposition forces.
Panayam ng Pinoy Weekly kay Prof. Jose Ma. Sison (tags)
Kunwaring nagpapanukala ng general amnesty ang rehimen para palitawin na ito ay nasa mataas na posisyong moral at politikal. Sa katotohanan, ang rehimen ay imoral at kaaway ng sambayanang Pilipino dahil sa pagtataksil at pagkapapet sa imperyalista, korap at mapagsamanatala, malupit, nagpapairal ng terorismo ng estado at madugong mapanlabag sa mga karapatang tao. Ang pag-aasta ng rehimen na handang magbigay ng general amnesty ay isang anyo ng tusong paghahanda sa implementasyon ng Human Security Act o Anti-Terror Law. Parang sinasabi ni Ermita bilang Torquemada ng Anti-Terrorist Council na dapat sumuko na lahat ng oposisyon sa rehimeng Arroyo bago ipataw sa kanila sila ang Anti-Terror Law.
On Admiral Timothy Keating's threat to escalate US military intervention (tags)
Far worse human rights violations can be expected to follow from the statements of US Pacific Forces commander Admiral Timothy Keating that the US is going to tighten its "anti-terror military cooperation" with the Arroyo regime and is willing to escalate the long-running US military intervention in the Philippines in order to fight the New People's Army (NPA) led by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) upon the request of the Arroyo regime.
Ermita raises possibility of political pardon to Honasan, Trillanes (tags)
Malacañang yesterday floated the possibility of Presi-dent Arroyo granting senators-elect Gregorio Honasan and Antonio Trillanes IV political amnesty in the spirit of reconciliation, good governance and national progress, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) quoted Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita as saying yesterday. In his regular media briefing this afternoon in Malacañang, Ermita was said to have cited the President’s policy of extending her hand of reconciliation to detractors of her administration, including armed rebels and political leaders.
Trillanes probe asked to open safehouses, secret detention places in the Philippines (tags)
The Philippine human rights alliance KARAPATAN welcomed the planned probe on extrajudicial killings of former soldier and now senator-elect Antonio Trillanes. KARAPATAN Secretary General Marie Hilao-Enriquez said, "We laud Senator Trillanes for this move to put the Arroyo administration to task for the unabated extrajudicial killings." KARAPATAN likewise welcomes the pronouncements made by top anti-Arroyo military officials who said that they will provide the detained senator-elect with evidence once he begins work in the Senate next month.
The Philippine Midterm Elections, an indictment vs. Mrs. Arroyo (tags)
Manila-- The circus that is the recent Philippine midterm elections was an indictment of how Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo "won" her presidency in the last 2004 elections and punctuated her government's acute isolation from the Filipino masses. The 12-0 illusion of Arroyo's Team Unity administration coalition delivered for the people more violence and systematic fraud. The regime's fraud machinery in Mindanao (the hocus-pocus site of the 2004 presidential elections in favor of Arroyo) was apparently exposed in how the recent elections were conducted most especially in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where bribe money, patronage politics were the rules of the game, ably presided by fraud operators and protectors sitting in the highest echelons in Comelec at the national and local levels.
The Philippine Midterm Elections, an indictment vs. Mrs. Arroyo (tags)
The circus that is the recent Philippine midterm elections was an indictment of how Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo "won" her presidency in the last 2004 elections and punctuated her government's acute isolation from the Filipino masses. The 12-0 illusion of Arroyo's Team Unity administration coalition delivered for the people more violence and systematic fraud. The regime's fraud machinery in Mindanao (the hocus-pocus site of the 2004 presidential elections in favor of Arroyo) was apparently exposed in how the recent elections were conducted most especially in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where bribe money, patronage politics were the rules of the game, ably presided by fraud operators and protectors sitting in the highest echelons in Comelec at the national and local levels
Bishops: 'Power politics' behind Jalosjos commutation (tags)
Despite Malacañang’s repeated denials, Catholic bishops suspect politics was behind President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s decision to commute the sentence of convicted rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) executive director Rodolfo Diamante said the act also shows the “bias" of the administration towards known political allies. “Obviously it’s political because how come Jalosjos was given that privilege and denied the others who are more deserving," Diamante said in a statement posted on the CBCP website (www.cbcponline.net).
No ‘deal’ behind Jalosjos’ commutation — Malacañang (tags)
Malacañang yesterday assured the commutation extended to convicted rapist Romeo Jalosjos was not a result of a “deal” between the former Zamboanga del Norte congressman and President Arroyo. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, during a press conference, confirmed the President cut the jail term of Jalosjos from a double life sentence, which is equivalent to 40 to 60 years, to just 16 years, meaning he could be released from prison as early as 2010.
GMA comes up short again on June 12 rites, say militants (tags)
The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan on Tuesday called President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Independence Day speech as “another pitch for an Enchanted Kingdom while totally missing out on the point of the celebration.” “National unity has been a battle cry of this administration. There can be no national unity and reconciliation with a government that is focused on perpetuating itself in power. This government stands against everything that the independence movement stood for more than 100 years ago,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.
Mutineer’ calls court-martial illegal, asks SC to stop trial (tags)
ndicted Marine Col. Ariel Querubin yesterday petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the military tribunal from trying him on charges of mutiny for his alleged part in the February 2006 “withdrawal of support” from President Arroyo by members of the Philippine Marine Corps. In a 33-page petition, Querubin’s lawyer Rodrigo Artuz elevated the case to the SC after the Court of Appeals (CA) this month turned down the colonel’s appeal to stop the court-martial proceedings against him. The charges are in connection with the attempted mutiny charges filed against Querubin and 29 other military officers for their alleged plan to withdraw their support from Mrs. Arroyo. Querubin is detained at the Fort San Felipe Detention Center, Naval Base Compound, Sangley Point, Cavite province.
Samantalahin ang lumalalim na krisis pampulitika (tags)
Ang naghaharing rehimeng Arroyo na mismo ang lumilikha ng kundisyon para sumambulat ang tumitinding krisis pampulitika at humantong ito sa maigting na pagtutuos sa pagitan nito at ng mamamayan. Sa desperadong pagpupumilit ng rehimen na makapangunyapit sa poder lampas pa sa 2010, ginawa nito ang lahat para maipanalo ang mga kandidato nito sa kagaganap na eleksyon. Nagsagawa ito ng todo-todong pandaraya at maruruming maniobra, panggigipit sa mga kalaban at malawakang paghahasik ng karahasan.
REPORT ON THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Interview of Filipino Activist Intellectual E. SAN JUAN, Jr.
Senator Joker Arroyo puts down proclamation as like Famas award night (tags)
Sen. Joker Arroyo on Thursday likened the proclamation rites of 10 winning senators to a “Famas award” night, with election officials as presentors and leading men. Arroyo snubbed the affair held Wednesday evening at the Philippine International Convention Center, but denied it was because his friend Sen. Ralph Recto lost in the election.
KMP-Negros revive calls to scrap ‘flawed’ agrarian reform law (tags)
With the recent death of two farmer beneficiaries and the wounding of several others in Hacienda Velez-Malaga, La Castellana town, Negros Occidental, calls for the scrapping of the “flawed” agrarian reform law has been revived. Claiming that it has not benefited poor farmers but consolidated the stronghold of big landowners, militant groups’ Kilu sang Mang bubukid Pilipinas-Negros, Pamalakaya, and the biggest labor group in the sugar industry, the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), slammed the “fake” CARP law and will oppose plans to extend it. The three groups also condemned the killing of the two members of Task Force Ma palad (TFM) last Monday saying this shows a “glaring failure” of CARP. However, they also criticized TFM for giving “false hopes” to their members in owning land.
Senator Joker Arroyo hits NSC over HR bill (tags)
Re-electionist Sen. Joker Arroyo has slammed the National Security Council and the military for their last-minute attempt to block the human rights compensation bill just as it was about to be ratified by the House of Representatives. In a privilege speech Monday, Arroyo said the situation “demeans and mocks the legislative process” because it shows that the “military can throw a monkey wrench even at the tail-end of congressional work.”
US Church and Labor Leaders to Pres. Arroyo: “Stop the Killings and Release Ka. Bel (tags)
The Philippines News Today, a local newspaper in the cities of San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver, Canada will release a full page Ad of American and Filipino progressive organizations and individuals calling among other things, an end to political killings in the Philippine and the immediate release of detained Congressman and labor leader Crispin Beltran and all political prisoners. The Supreme Court of the Philippines recently dismissed trumped up case against six Congress leaders including Beltran. Another local newspaper, Diaryo Pilipino, based in Southern California issued the same statement a month ago. Both newspapers have combined circulation of 60,000 that target to reach the majority of Filipinos living in the West Coast of North America.
AJLPP Oppose Another US-Arroyo Sell Out of Philippine Sovereignty. (tags)
SOFA, another grand sell-out”. This is how the Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace (AJLPP)-USA characterize the treasonous action of puppet president when it signed the RP-Australia Status of Forces Agreement. (SOFA) The AJLPP never forget that the United States and Australia connived in supprting the US-Marcos dictatroship and its active involvement in the counter insurgency war against the Filipino and the Moro people since the end of World War II. Expect that the terrorism of the Arroyo regime is further emboldened by VFA and SOFA treaties and the military intervention and hegemonic superpower support of the US and its regional junior partner Australia." ?
Political Fiefdoms Dig In (tags)
A look at the election outcome in some of the political turfs would show whether the geopolitical balance of power has changed without necessarily shaking the infrastructures of political dynasties in those areas. The clan of Macapagal-Arroyo has been in power for 58 years, broken only by the Marcos dictatorship. Even if the clan has spun out its political presence in Camarines Sur and Negros, it has a lot of damage control coming up what with the province of Pampanga - considered Mrs. Arroyo's bailiwick and father Diosdado's birthplace - going to a new governor,
AJLPP Oppose Another US-Arroyo Sell Out of Philippine Sovereignty. (tags)
SOFA, another grand sell-out”. This is how the Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace (AJLPP)-USA characterize the treasonous action of puppet president when it signed the RP-Australia Status of Forces Agreement. (SOFA) The AJLPP never forget that the United States and Australia connived in supprting the US-Marcos dictatroship and its active involvement in the counter insurgency war against the Filipino and the Moro people since the end of World War II. Expect that the terrorism of the Arroyo regime is further emboldened by VFA and SOFA treaties and the military intervention and hegemonic superpower support of the US and its regional junior partner Australia."
SC junks rebellion raps vs Beltran, ‘Batasan 5’ (tags)
Rebellion charges against six legislators identified with leftist groups were thrown out by the Supreme Court yesterday in what the opposition described as a defeat for President Arroyo’s administration. The court ruled that state prosecutors did not have probable cause to file charges against Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran and the group dubbed as the “Batasan 5,” who were accused of plotting a coup against Mrs. Arroyo last year along with military rebels and opposition politicians.
Philippine-Australia SOFA furthers foreign intervention, fascist terror under Arroyo (tags)
The Philippines revolutionary movement today in a statement posted over the internet scored the Arroyo regime and the Australian government for entering into a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), saying this only furthers foreign military intervention in the Philippines, and also serves to boost the Arroyo regime's fascist repression of the people.
Political Killings haunt GMA in New Zealand (tags)
Protesters greeted President Arroyo and human rights was one of the main issues she discussed with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark during their meetings here yesterday. After a bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Parliament House, Clark informed the media that the respective human rights commissions of the two countries “have started a dialogue and are exploring ways in which New Zealand might share its experience and support the work with its counterpart.” The Philippines was called a “disaster area for human rights” by New Zealand parliamentarians and human rights activists, which said hundreds of trade unionists, priests, journalists and human rights advocates had been systematically murdered since Mrs. Arroyo took office in 2001.
NDF-EV condemns virtual martial rule in troop deployment to Tacloban City (tags)
The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today condemned the virtual martial rule in the deployment by the 8th Infantry Division of soldiers to the northern barangays of Tacloban City and the outright role of the military in rigging the elections to favor the Arroyo regime. "The military psywar blabberers blatantly lie that the 8th ID is sending troops to the northern barangays of Tacloban City because of the alleged presence of the New People's Army," said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas. "What the military really aims after the elections is to forestall mass protests by heightening the psywar campaign against the people's organizations and party-list groups, whom they frame as part of the NPA to justify attacking and killing off their leaders and members. In the elections, various reports from Samar and Leyte also describe soldiers as terrorizing the people against voting for the progressive party-list. But the people have democratically defied the military and the Arroyo regime in the elections: Despite the barefaced use of fraud and military terrorism against them, the progressive party-list groups are clearly headed for Congress. The people have spoken, but in retaliating by sending troops against them, the military goes on with its script of mayhem and murder."
PROTEST VS POLITICAL KILLINGS GREETS GMA IN TOKYO TRIP (tags)
President Arroyo was greeted with protest on Tuesday as Japan-based human rights groups gathered in front of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo urging her to immediately end the spate of political killings in the Philippines and prosecute the perpetrators. Members of Amnesty International Japan, Human Rights Now and other groups also called on Tokyo to push visiting Mrs. Arroyo on human rights issues.
Thousands to protest PICC canvassing tomorrow (tags)
All roads lead to the Philippine International Convention Center tomorrow, May 23, as a broad array of groups continue to protest what they described as "a rising trend of fraud favoring the administration." Groups and individuals will be marching under the banner of "concerned citizens" and will assemble at 3:00pm in front of the Star City at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay. From the Star City, they will march by 4pm going to the PICC where the Comelec is sitting en banc. Thousands are expected to attend. Last Monday, around 200 members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and the anti-fraud group Kontra Daya marched to the PICC where the national canvassing of votes is being held. Tomorrow's message will be simple. You cheat, we march and protest.
PILIPINAS: Eleksyong 2007: Anong Bago at Anong Luma sa Pandaraya? (tags)
Kaisa ang AJLPP sa pahayag ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Pilipinas na “ Ilang ulit na pinasahol ng naghaharing pangkating Arroyo ang bulok na sistema ng eleksyon sa Pilipinas. Labis-labis ang karahasan, pandaraya, panunuhol, maruruming maniobra at pambabraso sa eleksyon nitong Mayo. Isinagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng militar, pulis, mga tauhan sa Comelec at burukrasya. Lalong tumingkad ang kahungkagan ng sinasabing demokratikong eleksyon sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang reaksyunaryong sistema”
PILIPINAS: Eleksyong 2007: Bulok sa kaibuturan (tags)
Ilang ulit na pinasahol ng naghaharing pangkating Arroyo ang bulok na sistema ng eleksyon sa Pilipinas. Labis-labis ang karahasan, pandaraya, panunuhol, maruruming maniobra at pambabraso sa eleksyon nitong Mayo. Isinagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng militar, pulis, mga tauhan sa Comelec at burukrasya. Lalong tumingkad ang kahungkagan ng sinasabing demokratikong eleksyon sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang reaksyunaryong sistema. Pinakamatitingkad ang pandaraya ng kampong Arroyo sa Maguindanao, Sulu at Bohol kung saan nagkaroon ng halos 12-0 resulta ang eleksyon sa pagkasenador pabor sa administrasyon. Sinundan pa ito ng paglilitawan ng 12-0 pabor sa Team Unity sa ilampu pang mga munisipalidad na kontrolado ng mga alipures ni Arroyo.
Sa kabila ng todo-todong pandaraya manipulasyon at pandarahas ng Malacañang a mga instrumento nito, di nagawang burahin an boto ng mamamayan laban sa rehimeng Arroyo Nakapagkamit ng makabuluhang tagumpay ang mg progresibong partido at oposisyon sa halalan s Senado, sa party-list, sa ilang pamahalaang lokal at distritong kongresyunal. Malaking sampal sa rehimeng US-Arroyo ang pangunguna ng mga oposisyunista at mga progresibong grupong party-list sa inisyal na resulta ng mga bilangan. Kahit sa mga balwarte umano ng mga alipures ni Arroyo tulad ng Cebu, Iloilo, Negros Occidental at Eastern Samar ay bigo silang tiyakin ang solidong boto para sa lahat ng kandidato ng Malacañang. Nangunguna sa halalan sa Senado ang nakararaming kandidato ng Genuine Opposition. Kabilang sa 12 na may pinakamataas na boto si dating Ltsg. Antonio Trillanes IV, isa sa mga lider ng pag-aalsa sa Oakwood noong 2003 at isa rin sa mga pinakamariing tumutuligsa kay Gloria Arroyo. Ito'y sa kabila ng kanyang pagkakakulong ngayon sa Camp Bonifacio, kakulangan ng pera at makinaryang pangampanya.
TOOLKIT FOR DISMANTLING THE ARROYO KILLING MACHINE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
On this May 14 election week, the brutal Arroyo regime in the Philippines backed by the Bush administration is facing the people's judgment for "crimes against humanity." This essay reflects on themes and issues surrounding the crisis of the neocolonial polity in the context of Bush's war of terror and barbaric, predatory globalized capital's assault on the peoples of the world.
Filipino Workers urged: Vote for truth, full employment (tags)
Thousands of workers from the Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) and the Confederation of Independent Unions (CIU) gathered in MetroManila, Lipa, Cebu, Davao City, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro City,Zamboanga City and Cotabato City to commemorate the 104th International Labor Day, urging other workers to support candidateswho would vow to unearth the truth behind the 'Hello Garci' controversy.
FILIPINA MILITANTS CONDEMN ARROYO-BUSH FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY (tags)
The 2nd session of the Permanent People's Tribunal (March 21-25, The Hague, Netherlands) marks a historic milestone in the Filipino people's struggle for social justice and true independence from U.S. imperialism and predatory global capital. This brief report sums up the major achievement of the Tribunal, highlighting the role of progressive Filipina women in the fight for freedom and people's liberation.
THE US-ARROYO REGIME HAS NO CONCERN AT ALL FOR THE FILIPINO WORKERS (tags)
Today, the working class in the Philippines and the whole world commemorate International Workers' Day. This is in recollection and reaffirmation of the long history so far of the heroic struggle of the working class to claim their interests, rights at power against the rule, exploitation and oppression of the big capitalist class and their henchmen and instruments that are characterized by greed, rottenness, deceit and cruelty at their very core.
Rehimeng Arroyo, Naghahanda sa Malawakang Pandaraya sa Eleksyong Mayo 14 (tags)
Wala nang tatalo sa pagkapalalo at lantarang pagiging garapal ng mga tauhan ng Pangulong Arroyo. Mariing kinokondena ng Alyansa-Pilipinas o AJLPP ang lantarang ipinamamarali ng mga kandidato at susing mga tauhan ni Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang kanilang makinarya at salapi para bumili ng boto. Nakakasuka ang pagmamayabang ng TEAM UNITY at ng Malacanang ang kanilang “makinarya” at “command votes” na magpapanalo daw sa kanila sa eleksyong Mayo 14. At sa huli, pupulutin si GMA tulad ng mandarayang si Marcos noong 1986, sa kangkungan ng kasaysayan. Sa huling pagtutuos, hindi makakasa ang masa sa eleksyon. Nasa masa ang huling pagpapasya para sa tunay na pagbabago sa lipunang Pilipino. ###
FIVE PHILIPPINE PROGESSIVE PARTY-LITS ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSES SENATORIAL BETS (tags)
Five Philippine progressive party-list organizations headed by Bayan Muna and ANAKPAWIS on Wednesday endorsed eight senatorial candidates including Team Unity’s Joker Arroyo and Ralph Recto. The groups also endorsed Genuine Opposition’s Loren Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel 3rd, Francis Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano and Manuel Villar and independent candidate Francis Pangilinan. Besides Bayan Muna, the other party-list groups that announced their support for the eight candidates were Suara Bangsamoro, Anakpawis, Gabriela and Kabataan Party.
AJLPP Supports Senator Arroyo Call For Beltran Release. FREE KA BEL, NOW! (tags)
Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) urgently supports the call of Senator Joker Arroyo for Mlacañang let Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran and Genuine Opposition senatorial bet Antonio Trillanes andto post bail and campaign, after the Makati Regional Trial Court allowed independent senatorial candidate Gregorio Honasan to walk out of his cell.? The AJLPP believes that there is double standard of justice that the US-Arroyo regime applies. One for Honasan and one for political dissenters like Ka Bel. FREE KA CRISPIN BELTRAN AND ALL POLITICAL DETAINEES, NOW! PALAYAIN KAAGAD SI KA BEL AND ANG LAHAT NG BILANGGONG PULITIKAL SA PILIPINAS
The Arroyo regime has scuttled the peace talks (tags)
Avoiding answering the question whether the Arroyo regime agrees with the report of United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston that the military is principally responsible for political killings, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo makes the false statement that the regime has a standing invitation to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines for peace talks. The Arroyo regime has scuttled the peace talks. It has declared its militarist plan to destroy the revolutionary movement before 2010. It has flagrantly violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) by committing crimes against humanity, perpetrating extrajudicial killings of more than 830 unarmed civilians, enforced disappearances on about 200 persons and frustrated killings on more than 350 persons, among other gross human rights violations.
Philippines: On PERC Corruption Survey (tags)
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reaping the fruits of her folly
Progressive Phlippine Groups Lambasted the New RP anti-terror law (tags)
Progressive party list lawmakers called lambasted the newly signed RP anti-terror law also known as the "Human Security Law" Tuesday and called it a “day of infamy. News sources reported that progressive lawmakers from the partylist ANAKPAWIS, GABRIELA and BAYAN MUNA, called the signing of the law as" virtual martial law"
Hold (Philippine President) Arroyo Regime and Military Accountable for Extrajudicial Killi (tags)
The press statement of the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary and special executions Prof. Philip Alston and the report of the Melo commission put forward important findings and conclusions that hold the Arroyo regime and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accountable for extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations from 2001 to the present.
Alston press statement and Melo commission report (tags)
The press statement of the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary and special executions Prof. Philip Alston and the report of the Melo commission put forward important findings and conclusions that hold the Arroyo regime and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accountable for extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations from 2001 to the present.
PHILIPPINES: ANTI-TERROR ACT FURTHER EMBOLDENS FORCES OF STATE TERRORISM (tags)
Even without the Anti-Terror Act, euphemistically called the Human Security Act of 2007, the US-directed Arroyo regime has unleashed the counterrevolutionary military and police forces on the people and spurred them to commit all kinds of barbarities, including the massacre and massive displacement of people in the countryside and the extrajudicial killing, abduction and torture of so many unarmed legal activists. These atrocities are all in line with the Bush global war of terror and its Philippine puppet version called Oplan Bantay Laya I and II. Upon the signing of the Anti-Terror Act by Gloria M. Arroyo, the reactionary military and forces and their special operations teams and death squads are further licensed and further emboldened to commit acts of state terrorism. The main objective of the Act is to suppress the people’s movement for national liberation and democracy and the broad range of legal forces criticizing and opposing the regime. If the targets of the act were only such small groups like the supposedly Al Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf and Jema’ah Islamiyah, the existing system of security agencies and criminal law on murder would have sufficed.
Former RP Defense Chief ; "Don’t tell us how to handle an insurgency’ (tags)
The Philippine lawmaker who was defense minister during martial law said Thursday that he had told a UN human rights investigator to keep out of Manila’s internal affairs. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile had harsh words for UN special rapporteur Philip Alston, who is probing the wave of hundreds of political murders that have taken place since President Arroyo took office in 2001.
AJLPP-USA Condemns Philippine Government’s Anti-Terrorist Bill. (tags)
The Alliance for A just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) –USA and its allied organizations in the United States vehemently condemn in the strongest term the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATB) in the Philippine Senate yesterday. AJLPP National Coordinator Mario Santos said: The Senate and Arroyo’s action proved that the Philippine government’s brazen puppetry ( kakapalan ng mukha)and lackyism (pagpapakatuta) knows no bounds. It does not only order the killing of Filipinos but also allows the legalization of fascist laws and violation of its constitution.
HINGGIL SA KOMISYONG MELO AT HALALAN SA 2007 (tags)
Panloloko sa bayan at panibagong inhustisya sa mga biktima ng paglabag sa mga karapatang tao ang kawalang lubos na liwanag tungkol sa nilalaman ng ulat ng Komisyong Melo. Pinapaugong ng Malakanyang na inaakusahan ng ulat ang militar at Heneral Palparan tungkol sa ilang pamamaslang. Kasabay nito, sinasabi rin nila na hindi lamang ang militar at pulis ang gumagawa ng mga krimen. Sa gayon, pinagtatakpan nila ang kriminal na pananagutan ni Gloria M. Arroyo at mga alipuris niyang militar at pulis sa higit ng 820 na pamamamaslang at higit na 200 pagdukot sa ilalim ng Oplan Bantay Laya I at II.
New GMA's Appointments: Ebdane to DND, Nachura to SC (tags)
Malacañang formally announced yesterday the appointment of former public works chief Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as the new defense secretary, ignoring recommendations for a civilian to head the sensitive post. Ebdane, 58, replaces Avelino Cruz, who quit unexpectedly in November, fueling speculation of a rift in President Arroyo’s Cabinet over moves to change the Constitution. Also at Malacañang yesterday, Chief Justice Reynato Puno announced Mrs. Arroyo’s appointment of Solicitor General Antonio Eduardo Nachura as Supreme Court associate justice. Ebdane was reportedly the one who brought out of the country former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano at the height of the vote rigging controversy involving Mrs. Arroyo. Ebdane denied the accusations
AJLPP: GMA caused people's cynicism of People Power (tags)
On January 20, 2001, the people of the Philippines overthrew President Joseph Estrada and installed Vice President Gloria Macapagala-Arroyo, Six years after the EDSA 2 uprising that toppled President Joseph Estrada, the AJLPP-USA agroup in the US working for a just and lasting peace laments that the political situation turned to worse for the Filipinos.
Orchestrated Mindanao bombings to push ATB (tags)
The NDF condemns the recent bombings in key cities in Mindanao and highly suspects the war dogs of the Arroyo regime to be responsible for these atrocious acts.
PHILIPPINES - Smith's illegal transfer: Arroyo's judgment will be through the ballots (tags)
AKBAYAN (Citizens' Action Party) today said that the Philippine President Arroyo's numerous crimes against the Constitution and the country's sovereignty, the latest of which is the patently illegal transfer of Smith's custody to the US Embassy, will tried through the ballots in the 2007 elections.
AFP gets P10-billion hardware shop list (tags)
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be embarking on a spending spree with President Arroyo approving on Friday a P10-billion shopping list for military hardware. The President and concurrent defense secretary gave AFP brass the green light to bid out 14 contracts. Mrs. Arroyo also on Friday vowed to defeat communist and secessionist rebels in Mindanao before her term of office ends in 2010.
Militant Lawmakers and Opposition Stalwarts Condemns Philippine Arroyo's Puppetry (tags)
President Arroyo’s public admission that her administration buckled before US pressure in the custody dispute over a convicted rapist makes her government an awkward host for an upcoming summit that includes many countries that have defied American might. Militant legislators called President Arroyo’s action as “downright improper, illegal and bordering on treason.” “This is perhaps the most scandalous crime and most unconstitutional act ever committed by Mrs. Arroyo that makes Proclamation 1017, the Calibrated Preemptive Response, Executive Order 464 and the fake people’s initiative pale in comparison,” House Deputy Minority Leader Satur Ocampo said. Ocampo called the President a “serial violator of the Constitution and the rule of law.” “The opportunist that she is, it is farfetched that she will find shame over this scandal and feel the urge to resign,” he said. “Those incensed by her corruption and cheating are now more determined to compel her ouster due to her sellout of Philippine national interests.” Party-list Rep. Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis said Smith’s transfer in exchange for resumption of Balikatan exercises makes Nicole a victim all over again. “Is there anything President Arroyo will not do to secure Washington’s approval? Her approval for the transfer of convicted rapist US Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith exposes how low she will go to make sure that she has the support of the US government: she is willing to throw aside Philippine law and ignore severe implications on national sovereignty. For the sake of her government’s one-sided relations with the US, she has abetted the eventual release of a convicted rapist.”
Anti-USA demonstration in Manila - January 3, 2007 (tags)
Philippines court, minister back transfer of US marine rapist
Philippines: shameless act of collaboration of the Arroyo regime and the U.S. government (tags)
"It's an utterly shameless act of collaboration of the Arroyo regime and the U.S. government." This was the statement of Myrla Baldonado, spokesperson of Task Force Subic Rape (TFSR) on the stealthy transfer of custody of Daniel Smith from the Makati City Jail to the U.S. Embassy.
BAYAN MUNA Solons hit Arroyo, military over slaying of Bicol BAYAN MUNA Regional Head (tags)
BAYAN MUNA militant lawmakers at the House of Representatives are blaming President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the military for the killing of another Bayan Muna leader in Bicol on New Year’s Eve. News sources today reprted that Rodolfo “Pong” Alvarado,, Bayan Muna Bicol regional chairman and the leftwing party’s 6th nominee in the 2004 elections, was shot dead at his residence in Albay province.
AJLPP-USA Condemns Puppet Philippine Government Order to Return Convicted Rapist Smith to (tags)
2 AM +0800 The Alliance for A just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) -USA condemn in the strongest term the puppet Philippine government order that transferred convicted American serviceman Lance Corporal Daniel Smith to the custody of the US embassy . AJLPP coordinator Mario Santos said: “Arroyo’s action proved that the Philippine government’s brazen puppetry ( kakapalan ng mukha)and lackyism (pagpapakatuta) knows no bounds. It does not only order the killing of Filipinos but also allows the rape of Filipinas and the violation of its own laws and its constitution. Arroyo should stop imploring “law and order” because she cannot even follow the laws of her country. Much more, she should renounce her citizenship and be an ugly American that she is.” .
Philippines - 2006 worst year for rights since Marcos (tags)
Political murders in the Philippines reached their highest level in 2006 since the toppling of dictator Ferdinand Marcos more than 20 years ago, human-rights activists say. More than 180 activists—including journalists, human-rights workers, leftwing politicians, trade unionists and lawyers—were assassinated this year for their criticism of those in power, they say. “An average of three extrajudicial killings are occurring every week in the country,” a Canadian human-rights team concluded recently after a fact-finding mission to the Southeast Asian nation. “A clear pattern of state-perpetrated politically motivated extrajudicial killings” was occurring in the country, the team said.
Rights group condemns Arroyo regime for butchery of Filipinos and their freedom (tags)
"We condemn the Arroyo regime for its butchery of hundreds of Filipinos and our nation's freedom by presiding over gross human rights violations and insisting on a self-serving charter change similar to that of the Marcos dictatorship," said the Philippine human rights group KARAPATAN whose members and allied organizations joined the anti-Cha Cha rally today at the House of Representatives in Batasan.
Revolutionary Forces in the Philippine Condemns Arroyo-De Venecia blackmail (tags)
The revolutionary forces in the Philippines today condemned Gloria Arroyo and her cohorts in the House of Representatives for what the revolutionaries calls "an obvious blackmail to desperately push by any means a self-serving Arroyo constitution."
US-Arroyo Regime Beat a Retreat : Stop Con-ass now (tags)
President Macapagal-Arroyo, sensing grave political fall-out from her manuverings, had instructed her political affairs adviser Gabriel Claudio on Friday to “order” the lawmakers allied with her to drop the constituent assembly (Con-ass) as a means of changing the Constitution, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said yesterday.
HOUSE BACKS DOWN ON CON-ASS (tags)
---Faced with threats of massive protests against the planned constituent assembly (Con-Ass), President Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives said on Saturday that they would settle for a constitutional convention (Con-con).
Philippines: Statement on the charge of rebellion (tags)
It is our patriotic duty to defend the area of freedom that people’s power had carved out in the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship. The best way to defend freedom is to exercise it. Responsible citizens cannot watch in silence as the minions of Mrs. Arroyo make a mockery of our democratic rights.
Philippine Women's National Day of Protest (tags)
US-BASED WOMEN’S GROUP GABRIELA NETWORK COMMEMORATE PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S NATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST; DECLARE U.S. CULPABLE FOR EXPLOITATION AND OPPRESSION OF FILIPINAS
Usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng MILF at GRP nais ibagsak ng rehimeng Arroyo (tags)
Lubos na kaisa ang Pesante-USA sa pahayag ng pamunuan ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) na ”Ang rehimeng Arroyo ang responsable sa pagbagsak ng usapang pangkapayapaan.” Naninidigan ang Pesante-USA bilang isang grupong nagtataguyod ng karapatang-pantao at kapayapaan sa Pilipinas na dapat maging seryoso ang GRP sa pakikipagnegosasyon sa MILF at manghinayang sa mangyayari kung babalik sila sa pang-uupat ng digmaan na kumitil na ng maraming buhay sa nakaraan.
Rehimeng US-Arroyo, nanguupat at naghahanda ng Gyera sa Mindanao. (tags)
Patuloy na ipinakikita ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno, laluna ng rehimeng Arroyo, na hindi ito interesadong kamtin ang tunay na kapayapaan para sa mamamayang Moro. Ang tanging interes ng rehimen ay sumuko at magbaba ng armas ang MILF. Sa ngayon todo ang propaganda ng gobyerno kapwa laban sa NPA at sa MILF na ang diumano may sabwatan ang MILF sa Abu Sayaff at sa Jemmayah Islamiya. Anuman ang kahihinatnan ng paghahanda sa gyera ng gobyerno, gumagawa lamang ito ng gulo at sa huli magbabagsak ng mabigat na bato sa sariling paa nito kapag itinodo nito ang gyera laban sa mamamayan ng Mindanao.
Peace Talks ng MILF at GRP Nais ibagsak ng rehimeng Arroyo (tags)
”Ang rehimeng Arroyo ang responsable sa pagbagsak ng usapang pangkapayapaan.” Ito ang pahayag ng pamunuan ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) matapos mabigo noong Setyembre 7 ang ika-13 exploratory talks (mga usapan para makapaghanap ng kalutasan sa di pagkakasundo) sa pagitan ng mga kinatawan nito at ng Gubyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas (GRP).
Pagpaslang kay Bishop Ramento, tanda ng kalupitan ng rehimeng Arroyo (tags)
Ang karumal-dumal na pagpaslang noong Oktubre 3 kay Bishop Alberto Ramento, makamasa at patriyotikong tagapangulo ng Supreme Council of Bishops ng Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) ay tanda ng pagtindi ng kalupitan ng rehimeng US-Arroyo sa kampanya nito ng pamamaslang sa mga kritiko nito at paghahasik ng lagim sa lumalabang mamamayan.
PHILIPPINES: Resist Arroyo’s “mad dog” campaign to cripple the political opposition! (tags)
The Department of Interior and Local Government’s “preventive suspension” of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and his entire city council based on flimsy administrative charges marks the height of the Arroyo government’s “mad dog” campaign to cripple the political opposition by all means.
Filipino Activists protest Charter change, killings in Mendiola (tags)
Thousands of FIlipino protesters led by the militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP-The Philippine Peasant Movement) marched Friday to denounce President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's campaign to amend the constitution and what they said was a spate of political killings in the Philippines. The Philippine Peasant Support Network(Pesante-USA) expressed solidarity with this nationwide mass action in the Philippines. As a Filipino peasant advocacy group, Pesante was formed in the U.S in 1991 and is a member of the Aliiance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP).
AJLPP-USA Condemns Arroyo’s Brazen Puppetry to US Imperialism and Attacks against People’s (tags)
Pundits and blind defenders of imperial America have it all wrong: the DPRK is simply trying to defend itself from the bellicose saber-rattling that the US imperialists have directed at them and other countries and nations asserting their national sovereignty and refusing to submit to US dictates. We should not be afraid of anti-imperialist countries like the DPRK. Rather, we should link arms with all peoples, nations and countries opposed to the world’s common enemy – US imperialism
"Philippine President" Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is the Coddler of Criminals (tags)
Yesterday, former University of the Philippines president and Laban ng Masa (Struggle of the Masses) Chairperson, Dr. Francisco "Dodong" Nemenzo, Jr and ten others were charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly harboring fugitive rebel soldiers belonging to the Magdalo group which the government believed to be involved in the July 2003 failed coup.
AJLPP-USA Condemns Arroyo’s Brazen Puppetry to US Imperialism and Attacks against People’s (tags)
Pundits and blind defenders of imperial America have it all wrong: the DPRK is simply trying to defend itself from the bellicose saber-rattling that the US imperialists have directed at them and other countries and nations asserting their national sovereignty and refusing to submit to US dictates. We should not be afraid of anti-imperialist countries like the DPRK. Rather, we should link arms with all peoples, nations and countries opposed to the world’s common enemy – US imperialism.
AJLPP Condemns Arroyo's Puppetry and anti-DPRK Attacks (tags)
Pundits and blind defenders of imperial America have it all wrong: the DPRK is simply trying to defend itself from the bellicose saber-rattling that the US imperialists have directed at them and other countries and nations asserting their national sovereignty and refusing to submit to US dictates. We should not be afraid of anti-imperialist countries like the DPRK. Rather, we should link arms with all peoples, nations and countries opposed to the world’s common enemy – US imperialism.
ARROYO AT MARCOS, PAREHONG PASISTA, PAHIRAP SA MASA-- PESANTE-USA (tags)
Ubod ng Walanghiya! Para sa Pesante-USA, ano pa bang salita ang higit na makakapaglarawan sa itsura ng rehimeng US-Arroyo sa mata ng sambayanang Pilipino dito sa Amerika at maging sa Pilipinas? Kung mamakapatay lamang ang mga salita at ang galit, matagal nang natunaw tulad ng asin ang rehimeng kinamumuhian ng mamamayan.
After Bishop’s murder: another IFI priest receives death threat (tags)
Fr. Antonio Ablon, a priest of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) based in Cagayan de Oro, received the following text message yesterday October 6 at 4:45 pm: “Fr. Ablon, patay gani ang supreme bishop ikaw pa kaha i sample ka namo dinhi sa CDO” (Fr. Ablon, even the supreme bishop was killed, we will make you an example here in Cagayan de Oro) .
EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA THEN, NOW THE PHILIPPINESl (tags)
-- The First Quarter Storm Network-USA recalls some accounts on the campaign of assassinations that the US-sponsored ultra-rightist military regimes in El Salvador and Guatemala conducted against their political enemies during the 1980s. The hand of the ugly American, John Negroponte who headed the dirty tricks department was ever present then in Latin America. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that what is happening in the Philippines is uncannily similar to what was happening then in Guatemala and El Salvador in the 1980s. Negroponte, after all, heads up the super-spy agency now that the US is waging a so-called global "war on terror" in tandem with shameless puppets like Gloria Arroyo conducting local campaigns like Oplan Bantay Laya (Freedom Watch).
RP Govt moves to revive peace talks with MILF (tags)
--The Philippine government is determined to break a deadlock in talks with Muslim separatist rebels to prevent an outbreak of violence, an adviser to President Arroyo said Monday.
PHILIPPINES: Remember Martial Law! (tags)
September Twenty-One Protest against Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (STOP-GLORIA)
PATULOY ANG ATAKE NG REHIMENG-US ARROYO AT AFP SA MASA (tags)
Sa kabila ng pakunwaring mga pahayag ni Gloria Arroyo, walang tigil at di-maawat ang mga pamamaslang, pagdukot, tortyur, iligal na pag-aresto at detensyon at iba pang karumal-dumal na paglabag ng mga armadong galamay ng estado sa karapatang-tao ng mamamayan. Mahigpit na kinokondena at iginigiit ng Pesante-USA na dapat nang matigil ang amahas na pamamasista at terorismo ng estado. Lalo lamang pinagagalit ni GMA ang masa at hinuhukay ang sarili nitong libingan tulad ng nangyari kina Marcos at Estrada. Umabot na sa mahigit 755 ang pinaslang at may 188 ang nawawalang aktibista na hindi matagpuan. Papalubha ang mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao na malapit nang maungusan ni Gloria-Arroyo.ang pagiging garapal na pasista ni Marcos ayon sa Pesante-USA Patuloy Ang Atake ng Rehimeng US-Arroyo at AFP sa Masa: Tumitindi, Paglabag sa Karapatang-Tao
FIGHT RESURGENT FASCISM, FIGHT ARROYO'S UNDECLARED MARTIAL LAW (tags)
We activist of the First Quarter Storm Network (FQSN)- USA commemorate the thirty-fourth year declaration of martial law in the Philippines that plunged the country into 14 years of dictatorship. Today, on the 34th year commemoration of martial law, we have to struggle against another tyrant who wanted to impose the same dictatorship under another label. We have to fight on! We still have to fight a war to win –the war against forgetting and revisionism. We have to wage a protracted war to remember, relive and reaffirm with our collective memories, our struggle for national democracy and the social liberation of our people.
Arroyo regime has a malicious view of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations (tags)
The highest officials of the Arroyo regime, especially executive secretary Eduardo Ermita, chief of staff Mike Defensor and presidential adviser Jesus Dureza, have repeatedly declared that there is no need to resume the formal talks between the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels but that the office of the presidential adviser on the process will coordinate with local units of the GRP to stage localized negotiations with elements that they hope to attract from the local forces of the revolutionary movement.
US to beef up hunt for Abu-JI terrorists (tags)
The United States is increasing its support for the ongoing military offensive in Sulu against the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah to hasten the capture of Abu Sayyaf chief Khadaffy Janjalani and Umar Patek and Dulmatin of JI, Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz said here yesterday. Cruz said Rear Adm. William VanMeter Alford Jr., chief of staff of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), made the commitment in a meeting with President Arroyo during her stop here on Sunday.
AFP ASSESSMENT THAT THEY WILL ERADICATE THE NPA BY 2010- A BIG BLUFF (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA - a human rights, environemtal and a peasant advocacy network based in Los Angeles, called the AFP assessment that they will destroy the New People’s Army (NPA) by 2010, at the end of the President Arroyo’s term “ A big bluff and an empty pipe dream!.”
KMU-SMR Secretary General Threatened (tags)
Kilusang Mayo Uno¡VSouthern Mindanao Region secretary general Omar Bantayan received threats to his life as he was about to leave his residence at around 10:00 this morning. Bantayan was on his way to a meeting when three unidentified men were seen surveilling his residence in Brgy. Ubalde, R.Castillo. Bantayan was with a companion who went out first and was the one to notice two men standing some feet away on either side the gate. The third man was posted at the corner of the street about 20 meters away. The companion also spotted a bulge around the waist of one of the men. He surmised it could only be a firearm as the latter moved his hand toward it when Bantayan came out of their gate.
Leftist murders spark fear in Philippines (tags)
James Ayunga thinks of death whenever a motorcycle roars past. "I get goosebumps when I hear one come up behind me," said the farmers' activist and father of three. Across the Philippines, masked gunmen on motorcycles have killed scores of left-wing community leaders and Ayunga fears he could be next.
We Demand a Credible Independent Investigation of the Murder of Filipino Activists (tags)
The Melo Commission of the Arroyo administration is doomed to fail because her regime as the prime suspect in the killings is also the prime investigator. We Fil-am students call for a truly independent and credible investigation of the murder of Filipino activists.
The Significance of Two August 21st Incidents in Philippine History (tags)
Like the rising number of political killings, the August 21, 1983 Aquino assassination remains unsolved. Despite the court findings which sent several military men involved in Aquino’s murder to jail, the people still believe that the real masterminds are still scot-free, and are still in the limelight, and are enjoying their loot in their unperturbed ostentatious style. As we join our voice with all of those who work for a just and lasting peace and fight for justice, the FQSN-USA remembers these historical incidents to remind the Filipino community in the United States that we still face the enemies of the people responsible for these crimes. It is our duty not to let them go unpunished. We will never forget. We will continue to struggle against political amnesia and always uphold the truth.
International Church leaders Condemns Political Killings in the Philippines (tags)
Condemnations as well as outrage over the unabated and rampant political killings in the Philippines is swelling in the international Christian community. More and more Protestant denominations have expressed alarm over the killings, with the Methodists issuing a statement calling on the US government to pressure Philippine President Arroyo's administration into decisive action. This came on the heels of the latest Amnesty International statement condemning the Arroyo government’s inaction and apparent crackdown of political dissent.
International Church leaders Condemns Political Killings (tags)
Condemnations as well as outrage over the unabated and rampant political killings in the Philippines is swelling in the international Christian community. More and more Protestant denominations have expressed alarm over the killings, with the Methodists issuing a statement calling on the US government to pressure Philippine President Arroyo's administration into decisive action. This came on the heels of the latest Amnesty International statement condemning the Arroyo government’s inaction and apparent crackdown of political dissent.
FREE THE TAGAYTAY 5! FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS IN ARROYO'S JAILS! (tags)
The massive human rights violations in the Philippines by the Arroyo regime have been universally condemned by Amnesty International, the United Nations, National Lawyers Guild, Reporters Without Borders, and other international bodies. We call on U.S. citizens to demand the cut-off of U.S. military and other assistance to the corrupt and illegitimate Arroyo regime as a gesture of solidarity to millions of Filipinos victimized by the tyrannical, militarist Arroyo regime.
MEGA PROJECTS NI GLORIA, MEGA DEMOLISYON SA MGA MARALITA (tags)
"MEGA DEMOLISYON at MEGA DISLOKASYON para sa mga maralita at mamamayang Pilipino ang hatid ng mga pangakong MEGA PROJECTS ni Gng. Arroyo na naging pokus ng pangako para sa "kaunlaran" noong inilahad nito ang bersyon ng State of the Nation Address." Ito ang sinabi ni Carmen "Nanay Mameng" Deunida, pambansang tagapangulo ng Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY).
Deport Bolante Back to the Philippines, (tags)
The AJLPP calls on the US government to act and deport Arroyo’s bagman Bolante. We likewise call on the Philippine government to prosecute Bolante as soon as he is returned to the Philippines. Only then we can believe that they are both serious in fighting corruption in the Philippines. Otherwise, we are just watching another charade in the making. Peace will only be another victim in the altar of self-appointed high priests of immorality, corruption and greed.
In the light of the profound economic and political crisis in the Philippines today, what could be the significance of celebrating the one-hundred year anniversary of the coming of Filipino contract labor to Hawaii? Are Filipinos the new compradors for the militarist U.S. Empire? Or are they harbingers of a new generation of combatants from the oppressed communities? At the turn of the century, the revolutionary organizer Rosa Luxemburg elegized the dismal plight of the subjugated natives. Today, US Special Forces are back to reconquer the neocolony, with the natives no longer smiling, now up in arms, united with people of color in Venezuela, Palestine, Hawaii, Nepal, Mexico, and other battlefronts of our beleaguered planet. Whither the Filipino diaspora?
‘Amnesty’ to GMA: Stop leftist killings (tags)
Amnesty International has called on President Arroyo to do more to stop a spate of killings targeting leftist activists. Mrs. Arroyo must "show she means business by implementing concrete measures to prevent the deaths of more activists," Amnesty deputy director for Asia-Pacific Tim Parritt said in a statement issued in Manila yesterday. Among other things, the President should "strengthen implementation of witness protection laws," Parritt said.
Dismantle the US-Arroyo Fascist Puppet Regime, Resume Peace Negotiations Now! (tags)
For the sixth time, the fake president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will deliver her State of the Nation Address (SONA) as the traditional year-end report to elucidate new policies like all Philippine presidents do. But her sixth SONA will no different from her previous ones: all the high-tech glitz and fanfare in the world will not be able to hide its emptiness and utter lack of credibility
The State of the Philippine Education (tags)
Getting “Dumb & Dumber” under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Rains, loud music keep protesters away from cops (tags)
It rained on their parade, but the band played on. Incessant heavy rains spawned by typhoon "Glenda" and loud music from the Philippine National Police (PNP) band kept hundreds of protesters in Quezon City in check and away from police lines hours before President Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address (SONA), a ranking police official said yesterday. The police initially expected the number of protesters to be between 15,000 and 20,000. As of noon yesterday, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) estimated that its delegation totaled 10,000 people.
Warnings she must heed: (tags)
All kinds of speculations have been aired since former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante was arrested in the United States for entering the country without a visa. Could his arrest be a US government warning shot to the Arroyo administration? Opposition voices are saying his arrest was made on the initiative of the Arroyo administration. They allege the administration does not want Bolante to come back to the Philippines and be forced to spill the beans in congressional investigations about his alleged diversion of P728 million from funds for fertilizers to be shared with farmers to President Arroyo’s 2004 campaign kitty. Both the Philippine and American governments are not forthcoming with details. The Philippine government has in fact ordered a total blackout on statements and news about Bolante. US immigration experts are befuddled why Bolante was arrested and held. He is in a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement “processing center” in San Pedro, California.
Warnings she must heed: (tags)
All kinds of speculations have been aired since former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante was arrested in the United States for entering the country without a visa. Could his arrest be a US government warning shot to the Arroyo administration? Opposition voices are saying his arrest was made on the initiative of the Arroyo administration. They allege the administration does not want Bolante to come back to the Philippines and be forced to spill the beans in congressional investigations about his alleged diversion of P728 million from funds for fertilizers to be shared with farmers to President Arroyo’s 2004 campaign kitty. Both the Philippine and American governments are not forthcoming with details.
Esperon says no quarter for NPA (tags)
Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, the new Armed Forces chief of staff, on Friday vowed to crush the communist rebellion during his term. Esperon, former Army chief, became the AFP’s 35th chief of staff. He replaced Gen. Generoso Senga, who retired Friday. He said he would lead efforts to foil attempts to vilify the AFP as an institution. The government has a two-year plan to defeat the communist New People’s Army.
Protest caravan from Southern Tagalog (tags)
Protests from the urban poor in Southern Tagalog geared towards Monday's State of the Nation Address (SONA) began as early as Wednesday and are now on the third day of a six-day caravan dubbed "Lakbay-Riles ng Maralita laban sa kagutuman, dislokasyon at karahasan ." The caravan took-off from Gumaca, Quezon around 8AM today and is set to reach San Pablo City at around 3PM, but protesters fear that they may be blocked again amid NCRPO chief Vidal Querol's statement that a special operations group of the New People's Army from Mindoro would try to sneak into the capital.
New AFP Chief Esperon vows to crush insurgency (tags)
New Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon vowed yesterday to crush the 37-year-old communist insurgency during his watch, saying he would devote his last years as a soldier to finish the task. "The President has renewed her call for the defeat of the insurgents ... I welcome the challenge," Esperon said in a speech as he formally took the helm of the 117,000-strong AFP.
‘People’s court’ releases video docu on alleged GMA poll fraud (tags)
In a video documentary shown at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, the Citizens’ Congress for Truth and Accountability (CCTA) said the evidence it has gathered could be used in the impeachment proceedings against Mrs. Arroyo should Congress allow it.
Hinggil sa Pagkansela ng Visa ni USEC Bolante sa Amerika (tags)
Nagulantang ang lahat ng arestuhin ng mga tuhan ng Imigrasyon ng Amerika si Jocelyn Bolante pagbaba nito sa paliparan ng Los Angeles. Diumano nakansela ang Visa nito at kung sino ang nagkansela ay isang naging bugtong na hindi masagot-sagot.Hindi ito gulong ng palad, ito ang sirkulo ng kawalanghiyaan ng isang angkang pampulitika na naging papet ng Imperyalismong US. Mula sa ama hanggang sa anak, iisang puno, iisang bunga Hindi ito gulong ng palad, ito ang sirkulo ng kawalanghiyaan ng isang angkang pampulitika na naging papet ng Imperyalismong US. Mula sa ama hanggang sa anak, iisang puno, iisang bunga!
Sukdulan sa Langit ang Pagiging Garapal at Pasista ng Rehimeng-US- Arroyo (tags)
Sa paghirang sa kanyang masusugid na tagasunod sa military at mga garapal na lumalabag sa karapatang pantao, tuluyan nang inilantad ni Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang kanyang pagiging papet pasista at teroristang anti-masa. Hindi lamang nito hinirang si Hermogenes Esperon bilang Hepe ng AFP kundi itinaas pa sa ranggo ang mga masusugid na pasista at mamatay-taong sina Heneral Romeo Tolentino ng NOLCOM bilang Hepe ng Philippine Army at Heneral Jovito Palparan mula sa pagiging hepe ng isang dibisyon- 7th ID tungo sa pagiging Hepe ng NOLCOM bago ito magretiro sa Setyembre. Para sa Pesante-USA, senyales ito ng pagiging manhid at walang pakialam ni Arroyo sa mga protesta ng masa at ng mga nagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao. Rurok ito ng kawalanghiyaan at garapalang pagiging pasistang terorista at anti masa ng rehimen.
MNLF officials belie GMA (tags)
Top Muslim leaders and Moro National Liberation Front officials in Central Mindanao on Wednesday belied President Arroyo’s claims that government has met “80 percent” of its peace deal with the MNLF, as contained in the 1976 Tripoli agreement.
Esperon’s marching orders: Crush Reds (tags)
President Arroyo has given incoming Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon his marching orders: Crush the 37-year-old communist rebellion and the groups plotting to destabilize the administration.
Preconditioning the resumption of formal talks with capitulation is completely absurd (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines(AJLPP)-USA desires that the peace negotiations between the NDFP and the GRP resumes. But the Arroyo government is hell bent to obstruct the peace process. Thus AJLPP-USA reprinted this NDFP statement so people are informed of the latest development. The GRP has rejected the NDDF proposals to resume the peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway. The Hague Joint Declaration stipulates that no precondition from any side shall negate the inherent character and purpose of peace negotiations. The Arroyo regime’s demand for capitulation and pacification of the revolutionary forces ignores the roots of the armed conflict and the people’s demands for basic reforms. It runs counter to The Hague Joint Declaration. It is completely absurd for Gloria M. Arroyo and her subalterns to precondition the resumption of formal talks in GRP-NDFP peace negotiations with the capitulation of the NDFP under the guise of a permanent or prolonged ceasefire that is not based on any agreement on social, economic and political reforms satisfactory to the people and the revolutionary forces.
PPNP, AFP, agencies to meet on counterinsurgency (tags)
Pesante-USA/AJLPP reported this news about the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government agencies will be meeting to coordinate their efforts to combat the communist insurgency, newly installed PNP Director General Oscar Calderon said Thursday. Calderon said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, at a meeting, instructed the PNP and AFP to create a joint plan to combat communist rebels.
Gov’t sticks to war, rejects Reds’ peace bid (tags)
MALACAÑANG remains committed to pursuing its all-out war against communist rebels even if exiled leaders of the communist-led National Democratic Front have asked Norway to convince President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo to return to the negotiating table.In a statement, the NDF said it had sent its top leadership to Oslo on Monday for four days of consultations with the Norwegian foreign ministry. Norway had facilitated the peace talks between the Philippine government and the NDF before negotiations were scuttled in 2004.
NDFP Negotiating Panel Arrives In Oslo For Consultations With Norwegian Government (tags)
The NDFP Negotiating Panel has the concept of continuing to prepare drafts of agreements on social, economic and political reforms and testing them in working sessions and open forums with respected Filipino experts and GRP officials who belong to the regime and the opposition. Thus, a level of consensus shall be reached even before the resumption of the formal talks, and thus accelerating the progress of future negotiations.
NDF calls for peace talks resumption (tags)
The prospect for the resumption of the peace negotiations in the Philippines remains bright despite the all-out attack of the Arroyo regime against the NPA and the MILF. Pesante-USA.AJLPP reprints the news article on the armed conflict that besets the county. Amid the government’s all-out offensive against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), the National Democratic Front (NDF) pushed yesterday for the resumption of peace talks with the government.
Sison expulsion easier with death repeal - Palace (tags)
The true intentions of the US-Arroyo regime is coming out. Executve Secretary Ermita has let the cat out of the bag--WITH the abolition of the death penalty Malacañang sees better chances of persuading The Netherlands to deport exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison. Executive Eduardo Ermita made the statement as communist guerrillas urged the government to respect the civil rights of their comrades targeted by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's revitalized two-year counter-insurgency campaign. Citing conversations with an official of the Dutch embassy here, who he did not name, Ermita said the only real stumbling block to Sison’s expulsion from The Netherlands was the death penalty. Meanwhile, Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the National Democratic Front peace panel, called on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and “all organizations which uphold human rights and international humanitarian law” to “hold the Arroyo regime accountable” for the alleged abduction by government troops of an NDF consultant and his son earlier this month. Jalandoni accused the government of “crimes against humanity,” claiming it was responsible for “more than 180 enforced disappearances, more than 690 extra-judicial killings of unarmed civilians and frustrated killings of more than 200 civilian victims.”
Foes file 2nd impeachment rap vs Arroyo (tags)
Over 200 private citizens and organizations on Monday formally filed the second impeachment complaint against President Arroyo. The group, headed by the Citizens’ Impeachment Case versus Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, filed the 154-page complaint with the office of House Secretary-General Roberto Nazareno. The complaint also contains annexes and a verification s
Leftist solon gets green light to leave RP (tags)
REPRESENTATIVE Satur Ocampo finally got the green light to board his flight to Frankfurt Friday night after the Department of Justice (DoJ) allowed him to leave the country. "The Arroyo government tried but failed to stop me from going to Geneva,” said Ocampo, who has been accused of plotting a coup against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Killing season in the Philippines (tags)
The escalating repression taking place now in the Philippines is no coincidence. Twenty years since the end of the dictatorship and three "people's power" uprisings later, Philippine society is hugely polarized.
Philippines: Anti-Arroyo Groups Brace for Bigger Fights Ahead (tags)
In a gathering of around 100 leaders from labor, peasant, urban poor, women and youth groups, the umbrella coalition Laban ng Masa is bracing for bigger fights in its bid to oust the Arroyo regime and initiate reforms under a transitional revolutionary government.
US, EU "Terror Lists" Promote Political Killings In The Philippines – Jalandoni (tags)
The Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines took another swipe today at governments maintaining "terrorist lists", saying that the inclusion of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People's Army and NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison in such lists emboldens the government of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to continue on its rampage of extrajudicial killings of civilians, enforced disappearances and other human rights violatio
On Killings and Church Persecution (tags)
Pesante published a press statement of PCPR to inform the public in the US on the killings and persuction of the US-Arroyo regime of church people. To date there are about 15 churchpeople who have been killed under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s regime. All of them, members of the clergy, church workers and lay leaders, were active social justice advocates.We pay the highest respect unto the martyrs of the church and the people. As the good book stated, “God’s faithful people are dragged off and killed and no one even cares. Evil sweeps them away, but in death they find peace for obeying God.” (Isaiah 57:1-2) Lastly, we also call on the churchpeople to be steadfast in their commitment for the cause of truth, justice, peace and genuine democracy.
What a match! The Strong Republic’s grand inquisitor in the service of the self-proclaimed (tags)
National security adviser Norberto Gonzales the other day feigned outrage at reports that he has been egging President Arroyo to declare martial law to permanently put away those pesky communists and fellow travelers. Gonzales said he was a victim of martial law, Part 1, and he would be the last to seek its re-imposition. Gonzales is a liar. The Senate found him so, the reason he was cited in contempt and placed under custody during an inquiry into the lobby contract he entered into with the US firm Venable LLB. He remains a liar in insisting he is not pushing for martial law. Let’s take a look at Gonzales’ claim he was a victim of martial law. Indeed he was hunted -- or rather he claimed he was hunted -- during martial law for leading an anti-Marcos armed group identified with the "clerico-fascists" like the Jesuit Romeo Intengan (the Gonzales-Intengan tandem remains as the most rapid anti-communist faction advising Arroyo). In reality, Gonzales’ group of middle class "revolutionaries" was no more than a nuisance to the Marcos martial law regime. The Marcos regime reserved its most ruthless and vicious assaults for the Left. And guess who were lustily applauding Marcos’ policy of extermination? Gonzales and Intengan, that’s who.
FQSN Condemns the Murder of FQS Activist Sotero Llamas of Bicol (tags)
The First Quarter Storm Network (FQSN)-USA vehemently condemns the cold-blooded murder of another former FQS activist, Sotero "Nognog" Llamas from Tabaco, Albay whose name was added to the long list of people "liquidated" by the Arroyo government's death squads. We hold President Arroyo as the head of the cabinet, Norberto Gonzales, Eduardo Ermita and other cabinet members responsible for all of these heinous murders.
PHILIPPINES: Local governor belies PDSP claims of communist atrocities in Bukidnon (tags)
The Pesante-USA published the article of Tonyo Cruz to dispute the anti-communist and anti-people propaganda of the soc-dem pro US-Arroyo regime PDSP- a social democratic party of National Security adviser Norberto Gonzales, a clerico-fascist stooge of US Imperialism anf fascists in the Philippines.
Thaksin of Thailand is Out, The Taksil in Malacañang is Next – Pesante (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA is happy to express our greetings of solidarity for the people of Thailand especially to the Thai-Americans who lived in ThaiTown in Los Angeles for their victory in forcing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra out of office. The people of Thailand did not let up their protest and boycotted the elections that Thaksin maneuvered to save his political career.
International Women's Day in the Philippines (tags)
Women of different political groups and professions were present at the March. Thirteen major groups joined forces under the banner “Martsa ng Kababaihan”. Present in big numbers were members of Akbayan, LABAN ng MASA, Bayan, Black and White Movement, women advocate groups like Gabriela Women’s Party, Welga ng Kababaihan, and WomenSpeak. In an interesting twist of history, this was the first time that the women’s movements gathered together in a common cause since the Marcos dictatorship.
Philippines: Lifting of PP 1017 - The beginning of Arroyo’s downfall (tags)
March 3, 2006 The lifting of Presidential Proclamation 1017 is a victory for the Filipino people! It was not the will of GMA, but the will of a determined people, who had continuously fought and challenged the proclamation and held protest actions to oust her from office, that made such lifting possible.
CRISIS AND DISINTEGRATION OF THE ARROYO FASCIST REGIME IN THE PHIIPPINES (tags)
A critical analysis of the inherent contradictions in the current regime in the Philippines would reveal the logic of irreversible fascist decay. While objective conditions have polarized and sharpened the divisions within the ruling bloc, the subjective forces of national democracy and anti-imperialism have not fully organized and united to deliver the decisive blow. Meanwhile, the U.S. and its agents are working behind the scenes to pick a successor to Arroyo and re-consolidate its neocolonial stranglehold. But will millions of concerned Filipinos allow the U.S. and its "guns, goons and gold" to determine again our collective fate and national destiny? Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world will have to decide as the Arroyo cabal, convulved with death-pangs, lashes out at everyone within reach.
Women in US Launch Sustained Protests Against De Facto Martial Law in the Philippines (tags)
GABRIELA Network USA, a Philippine-US women's solidarity mass organization, launches rolling national mobilization that will see daily protest actions in major cities in the US until the Philippine state of national emergency is lifted.
To bury the truth, GMA killed Philippine democracy (tags)
25 February 2006 AKBAYAN Party today denounced anew GMA's declaration of a State of National Emergency, saying that the draconian measures that the government imposed yesterday completely exposed the despotic inclinations of the ruling regime. "Yesterday's events were the last of the jigsaw pieces that revealed in full GMA's intention to rule the country through a dictatorship. What she has done is an insult not only to the millions of Filipinos who risked their lives to peacefully dismantle the Marcos dictatorship, but also to a world that was moved and inspired by the strength of our love for democracy and freedom. The dark days of Martial Law have been resurrected and they will haunt us as long as President GMA is in power and as long as systemic changes and democratic reforms are not in place," AKBAYAN Rep. Mayong Aguja said. "Just so she could evade the truth behind the 'Hello Garci' controversy, the President is willing to destroy the already shaky democratic structures of the country."
STATE of EMERGENCY has been imposed in the PHILIPPINES! (tags)
Several dozen demonstrators were arrested, mostly social movement activists and civil society leaders including Ronald Llamas, president of AKBAYAN and Professor Randy David, a well-known academic and vocal critique of the Arroyo government.
GABNet Holds Emergency Candlelight Vigil to Protest Crimes Against Humanity in the Philipp (tags)
Women’s group GABRIELA Network commemorates Philippine Women’s Day of Protest, holds emergency nationwide candlelight vigil to protest human rights violations perpetrated by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and US President Bush’s so-called War on Terror.
URGENT ACTION ALERT: Military Out Of Our Communities! (tags)
Please take a few minutes to make two or three phone calls.
Earth Day Comes Alive! Audubon Center at Debs Park (tags)
Earth Day Comes Alive! Audubon Center at Debs Park Saturday April 23, 2005 9:00am to 4:00pm 4700 North Griffin Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90031
The War Against the People: US Scholars Denounce Killings and Calls for a World-Wide Actio (tags)
Northampton, MA - The Critical Filipina and Filipino Studies Collective (CFFSC) condemns the growing spate of killings and human rights violations of political activists, peasant rights advocates and sympathizers, lawyers and priests in the Philippines. The Philippine military is targeting and murdering leftist activists and civilians under the pretense of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regime’s “War on Terror.” The U.S.-backed Arroyo regime’s campaign of surveillance, abduction, torture, and execution is a campaign of terror against the Filipino people.
FARMERS, FISHERMEN, OTHERS WANT ARROYO OUT (tags)
Protesters carrying effigies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, US President Bush, former Philippines Agriculture Secretary Luisito Lorenzo and Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes blocked Quezon Avenue in Manila, causing a traffic jam Thursday afternoon. "Hunger is spreading like wildfire. There is massive corruption in all agencies of the government and genuine land reform has not been implemented," said Danilo Ramos of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
October Surprise: Creative Interventions and Underground Politics in NE LA (tags)
October Surprise: Creative Interventions and Underground Politics in Northeast Los Angeles, October 8-11 2004
For the last month in northeast Los Angeles, the spirit of the buried North Branch creek has been stirring. A series of art and education workshops, culminating in a Creek Celebration on March 21st, were created as the first step in building public support for the daylighting of the North Branch of the Arroyo Seco.
Photo from Freeway Shutdown
Come out for ArroyoFest
THE PHILIPPINES AND THE U.S. HEGEMONIC THRUST (tags)
"With the full backing and support by the US, President Arroyo as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has unleashed a most brutal war against progressive and militant forces. Even the unarmed, legal democratic movement is not spared. More than 20 members from my party, Bayan Muna, have been murdered in the past 18 months since Arroyo became President. One-hundred forty-eight (148) activists have been killed in this short period."
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Votes to Aquire Heidelberg Park (tags)
Aquisition Approved on October 28
Hear Courageous Attorney Lynne Stewart Speak (tags)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 5:30 P.M. HEAR COURAGEOUS PEOPLE'S LAWYER LYNNE STEWART SPEAK ABOUT HER INDICTMENT