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For Immediate Release
February 16, 2008
BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN – Southern California
Filipino Americans Demand End to Government Corruption and GMA’s Ouster
Los Angeles – In coordination with the over 10,000 strong mobilization in
Makati, Philippines, an ethnically diverse crowd of Filipino Americans and
their supporters rallied outside of the Philippine Consulate yesterday
demanding the ouster of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA)
in light of the recent exposé of the ZTE-NBN scam.
Against the backdrop of a giant poster likening the Arroyo family to the
Sopranos, they chanted “No Government Corruption!” and “Step Down Gloria!”
Terrie Cervas, BAYAN USA – Southern California Regional Representative,
explained the sentiment of Filipinos in the US and in the Philippines,
“The ZTE-NBN scandal is just another example of the ongoing corruption and
abuses by GMA regime. The people have had enough and from all sectors of
society they are mobilizing and will continue to do so until GMA steps
down.”
BAYAN Philippines noted that the Arroyo regime and its spin doctors are
desperate to counter the massive flow of people to the streets through its
vicious orchestrated efforts to discredit and harass Lozada and his
family; revive charter change (cha-cha) through the local government
units; and inventing destabilization plans, including a new assassination
plot on Arroyo by terrorists.
"The people can't hope for anything from the political system we have now.
But Lozada gave us the hope that there can be change. Change should come
from the people's initiative--they should make programs, unite themselves,
and make their own system," stated Pastor Roy Padilla of the United
Methodist Church
Citing the demands of the day, Apollo Victoria of cultural organization
Habi Arts, addressed the public, “In order for justice to prevail, we
demand the resignation of GMA and push for a government that places its
priority to serve the people and not the wallets of corrupt individuals.”
Speakers from Tulong sa Bayan, International Action Center, Libros
Revolucion, and South Central Coalition also gave solidarity statements
paralleling the struggle in the Philippines to other parts of the world.
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