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November 16,
2007
FilAms National Day of Action
Demand
Independent Probe of Batasan Bombing
The progressive network of Filipino organizations, BAYAN-USA, conducted
simultaneous candlelight vigils yesterday, November 15 in four cities
across the nation in light of the recent bombing at the Philippine House
of Representatives.
Led by the Women's Alliance consisting of babae-San Francisco,
Pinay Sa Seattle and Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE)-New
York, the actions specifically demanded an independent investigation
for the bombing incident. The death of Marcial Taldo, who died on the spot
and injuries sustained by Representative Luz Ilagan of the GABRIELA
Women's Partylist (GWP) was cause for sweeping distrust around the Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo's dubious effort to find the responsible party.
GWP Rep. Ilagan's stance on impeachment, along with other people's
organizations, is reason enough for the Philippine government to target
her. "It is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who should back off from the
investigation of the Batasan bombing. The public's distrust on her is
all-time high and that gives her no right to speak for truth and justice."
stated Emmi de Jesus, secretary general of GABRIELA.
The national day of action brought to light the suspicious pattern of
bombings and killings including the recent bombing at Batasan and the
bombing at the Glorietta 2 Mall claiming 11 victims, to name a few.
Coincidentally and conveniently timed around high level political scandals
and bribery incriminating the Philippine president, Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo and several cabinet members, the clamor for impeachment is
reverberating within the nation and the international Filipino community.
Many issues taken up by the Filipino American groups have been ignored as
a result of attempts to cover up increasing corruption in the GMA
administration. " GMA's incriminating record gives her no credibility with
the national and global Filipino public to claim righteousness at times of
high political shams and trickery," stated Marisa Mariano, Chair of babae
in San Francisco, " A thorough independent investigation of the Batasan
bombing is vital to uncover the truth."
The US based women's alliance along with BAYAN-USA vow to keep a vigilant
eye on the unfolding events in the Philippines. The Filipino American
groups have readied themselves to resist another dictatorship in the
Philippines.
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Reference:
Valerie Francisco, Secretary General
Email: fire.nyc@gmail.com
Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE)
NY Phone:
925.726.5768
Marisa Mariano, Chair, babae, San Francisco
Email: info@babaesf.org
Phone: 415.412.8915
Donna Denina, Vice Chair, Pinay sa Seattle
Email:
pinayinfo@gmail.com
Phone: 206.438.3521
--
http://www.firenyc.org
Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE) is a mass-based women's
organization serving New York City and its surrounding areas. We connect
the Filipino diaspora to the women's struggle in the Philippines. By
bringing woman-born and woman-identified people together, we challenge
pervading stereotypes and create self-defined Filipina identities. For
more information, please visit http://www.firenyc.org
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