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Ka Bel celebrated his birthday last January 8 in detention. He turned 74. Arkibong Bayan wishes him more years of serving the people -- which is essentially what his life has been all about. |
Rep. Crispin Ka Bel Beltran
celebrates his 74th birth anniversary in detention
Philippine Heart Center
January 8, 2007 Posted January 25, 2007
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Ka Bel celebrated his birthday last January 8 in detention. He turned 74. Arkibong Bayan wishes him more years of serving the people -- which is essentially what his life has been all about. |
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| Photos courtesy of Anakpawis partylist and KMU | |||||
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From the Office of Rep. Crispin Beltran South Wing Room 602 House of Representatives Constitution Hills 1126 Quezon City, Philippines Reference: Rep.Crispin Beltran (+63)9278711080 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, chief of staff 931.6615, 09195065269
News Release Sunday, January 07, 2007
Beltran’s Birthday wish: Let 2007 be the year that sees Macapagal-Arroyo’s removal from office
Anakpawis Representative and political detainee Crispin Beltran today celebrated his 74th birthday while still under detention on charges of rebellion and sedition. He has been incarcerated since February 25, 2006 and remains under close guard at the Philippine Heart Center.
“I only have one birthday wish: that the incumbent but illegitimate president who lied, cheated and stole (and continues to steal from the people) be removed from office this year. It is her administration which abets and orders the assassination of political activists, human rights advocates and members and leaders of progressive party-lists and militant people’s organizations. It is also upon her approval that I remain detained on false accusations and testimonies. My first and biggest birthday wish is for her to be removed from office, whether by impeachment, resignation, or ouster via popular people’s uprising,” he said,
Beltran’s friends, family and supporters from Anakpawis party-list and other groups led a ‘birthday picket’ in front of the Philippine Heart Center and called for Beltran’s immediate release. Next month, on February 25, he will make one year in detention unless he is released.
“Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo has not even declared martial law, but the abductions and killing of civilians vocal against her corrupt government are seeming unending. All her declarations that she has achieved progress for the Philippines and gained headway in the country’s fight against poverty ring false and hollow. There is widespread homelessness, unemployment, and increasing incidence of hunger and malnutrition among Filipinos. In her desperation to remain in power, she clings to the US government, banks on its support, and gives in to all its demands, including the surrender of a convicted rapist to the US authorities. She also persists on maintaining the zombie-like campaign to amend the Constitution despite strong public opposition. The year 2007 should be the year that sees Macapagal-Arroyo’s removal from office,” he said.
“The Arroyo slate should be roundly defeated in the May midterm elections, and the zombie Cha-cha put away once and for all. There is no way that the likes of Macapagal-Arroyo can become prime minister, and the same goes for her closest allies and their self-serving political ambitions,” he said.
In the meantime, the activist lawmaker said that Malacanang’s backpedaling on the issue of the review of the Visiting Forces Agreement was pathetic. He said that Malacanang couldn’t retreat fast enough from its own proposal for a review.
“Malacanang’s various spokespersons lead by Ignacio Bunye and Raul Gonzalez all sound sheepish, having been chastened by US embassy officials who put their feet down against the VFA review. It’s clear who’s really calling the shots on this matter, and it’s definitely not Malacanang. Not even Gonzalez who has a reputation for scathing, biting remarks can stand up to the US embassy,” he said.
Beltran lauded resigned VFACom director Undersecretary Zosimo Paredes’ resignation, and his declaration of opposition to convicted rapist US Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith’s transfer to the US Embassy.
“Paredes made a patriotic stand, to criticize the US and its bullying manner. There was bravery is what Paredes did There is no shame or blame in what Paredes did. We can only hope that other government officials would possess even some measure of patriotism, enough to speak out against the treacherous foreign policy of the Arroyo government and its slavish obeisance to the US,” he said. #
Detained lawmaker and veteran labor leader turns 74
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Allthough in detention, Rep. Crispin Beltran has been issuing statements on various issues that concern his constituency, mainly the worker and peasant sectors. Here are his statements since January of this year:
► It is up to the Sandiganbayan to say if Malacanang didn't benefit from Perez' extortion - solon |
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