First Quarter Storm Movement delegation:

The activists of the 60s and 70s marching

with the new generation of activists

Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Rep. Satur Ocampo, Rep. Crispin Beltran

and other leaders lead march to Mendiola

Press Statement
February 25, 2008
Renato M. Reyes, Jr.
BAYAN Secretary General
 

In the face of worsening crisis, People Power is a necessity

As the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the Edsa 1 uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship, we join all freedom loving Filipinos in affirming the need for continued collective action in the grand tradition of “people power”. No longer can we allow the perpetuation of a morally bankrupt, moribund and fascist Arroyo regime.

Mrs. Arroyo says that the world will not forgive the Philippines if another “people power” takes place. How ironic indeed that the main beneficiary of “people power” is the first one to condemn it now. The president should worry less about what other countries may think and worry more about what her countrymen demand.

Mechanisms for accountability have been corrupted or destroyed by the regime. Government tells us to go to the courts instead of the streets only because it knows that the wheels of justice are slow in this country.

The necessity of people power stems from the reality that the current government will cling to power at all costs. The present regime has totally avoided any accountability over issues of corruption, human rights abuses and gross puppetry to foreign interests. Simply put, this regime will not fold on its own. It has to feel the collective wrath of the people first.

People Power assures us that the people have a say in what will happen to the Arroyo regime. Without “people power”, the crisis would merely be resolved by representatives of the powers that be, sans the voice of the people. Our best hope that reforms will be advanced and a better alternative put in place, is if the people can muster the strength to advance their interests.

Right now, the momentum for people power is on the side of the anti-Arroyo forces. The widespread mass actions of recent weeks have shown that there is no such thing as “people power fatigue”. The youth, religious, professionals, workers and farmers are all at the forefront of the rising tide of protest against the Arroyo regime.

Arroyo’s admission that she knew of the anomalies in the ZTE-NBN deal even before its signing must not turn out to be another “I am sorry” speech from the president. Instead, it should be the basis of the people in seeking accountability from and the resignation of the president. ###
 

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■   Streetwise by Dr. Carol Araullo: On everyone's lips

■   Youth will lead 'new brand' of people power – YOUTH ACT NOW!

■   Karapatan: People Power will deliver us from evil

Bayan Southern Mindanao
STATEMENT

FEBRUARY 25, 2008

Learn the Lessons of the Past, Advance the Peoples' Movement to Oust the Corrupt US-Arroyo Regime!

Today, 22th year of first EDSA People Power uprising, the peoples' organizations, church people, youth and students will pour in Davao City's main thoroughfares to call for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's resignation. The Filipino people's struggle against If there is something that we should reminisce about the EDSA I uprising, it is the struggle of the Filipino people against tyranny and corruption. Now, Marcos ideals dwell in the US-Arroyo regime. Tyranny has returned.

Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada's revelations is reminiscent of Marcos' big time looting spree during the dictator's stint as president. Cronyism and nepotism are still alive in the belly of the bureaucracy, where new faces took over as cronies and power broker, at the behest of the president. In the wake of the NBN-ZTE controversy, we can recall the testimony of former Minister of Public Works and Highways Baltazar Aquino about kickbacks and commissions received by Marcos. Now, it takes a man's courage to reveal the truth about $130 million kickbacks before the Arroyo administration scrapped the anomalous NBN ZTE deal.

The $130 million amount of greed of former COMELEC Chair Benjamin Abalos and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo could construct five hundred school buildings or even offset the shortage of textbooks and teachers in the education sector. In Southern Mindanao region alone, more than 300,000 children are incapable of getting elementary and secondary education due to poverty. Of the 980 barangays in the region, almost 160 barangays have no electricity. The Arroyos' "moderate greed" could have eased the burden and suffering of our people.

The NBN-ZTE scam is one of several scandals that the Arroyo administration had wantonly sponsored in just a span of seven years. If tolerated she might beat Marcos' record as the second most corrupt president in Asia. Since 2002, Arroyo and her minions were habitually stealing people's money by disregarding procurement process and overpricing supply contracts. Yet, even after these corrupt practices are exposed to public, the perpetrators are still left unpunished. It seemed that stealing has become everybody's business in the Arroyo administration.

We believe that the legacy of the first people power uprising can be well-remembered especially in these times when the tyrant in Malacañang is determined to curtail legitimate dissent. Day by day the people's movement is gaining momentum. Day by day, we hear the voice of the people with a unified call to the morally corrupt US-Arroyo regime:

Enough of Arroyo's Plunder!
Enough of Arroyo's Fascist Rule!
Oust GMA Now!

For reference:

JEPPIE RAMADA
0921.823.7489

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Office Address:
#131 E.K. Inting St. Mansasa, Tagbilaran city
Bohol, PHILIPPINES
Contact # 09217456553
Email: barog_dagohoy@yahoo.com
Website:
www.bayan.ph
BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN- Bohol Chapter

Press Statement
24 February 2008

GMA, doomed; Filipinos not tired of another people power

The Macapagal Arroyo regime, whose legitimacy remains in question after 6 years in power, is shaken with yet another anomalous project: the scuttled $329 million National Broadband Network contract with China’s ZTE Corporation. The now- scrapped NBN/ZTE deal was tainted with massive corruption being awarded to China’s telecom giant after a P200 million bribery scheme and the protection of the incredible $130 million commission demanded by former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos, Jr. who was also a key player of the “Hello Garci” scandal that unveiled massive election fraud in 2004.

Shamelessly dipped in the culture of graft and corruption, GMA, with her cohorts, has doused herself from one anomalous project to another; from the grossly overpriced Diosdado Macapagal Highway to the Fertilizer Fund Scam, she has never even “moderated” her greed, that of her husband and her entire collective cabal in the palace. So greedy is GMA, that even former NEDA Secretary Romulo Neri called her “evil” though Neri did not remember christening GMA with that name. So “evil” is GMA also, to the point of sanctioning the slaughter of her critics like political activists, journalists, lawyers, and church people under her counter- insurgency operation plan Bantay Laya I and II that openly targets personalities of legitimate organizations. The victims of political killings already soared to 890.

GMA could not even mount a moro- moro investigation to project a seemingly anti- corruption image, as her crew of deceptors, are instead, busy in finding ways at destroying the credibility of Jun Lozada, who is undoubtedly, more credible compared to Chavit Singson who testified against Erap that eventually resulted to the latter’s downfall.

But no matter how many times GMA pushes her “mob” of manipulators to terrorize those who dare to expose the stinks of this administration, the truth can never be shelved. And this truth shall be the driving force to compel the people to take to the streets again. No, the people are not tired of doing even the seemingly impossible, to change the nation. Alternative is never the problem for surely, there is an alternative to GMA in this country of 85 million people.

John Ruiz III

Secretary General
 

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News Release
February 20, 2008

Reference: Berna Ellorin, Secretary-General, BAYAN USA, email: secgen@bayanusa.org

Fil-Ams Commemorate People Power by Calling for a "New Brand" of People Power
BAYAN USA Calls for Increased Action in the US Against Arroyo

The US Chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or BAYAN USA, will join its mother alliance's call for commemorative actions around the anniversary of People Power 1, Monday, February 25th. The umbrella group BAYAN Philippines will be joining a broader call of church leaders, civil libertarians, and business leaders for the immediate resignation of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, following a high-end dialogue of various Philippine sectors in the Makati Business Club last Tuesday.

The Arroyo clan has recently been exposed of high dealings in graft and corruption as ZTE-NBN Broadband scandal star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada testified last week to the Philippine Congress.

"We agree that Gloria will be facing a 'new brand' of people power, certainly one where more overseas Filipinos will take a stand, make more noise, and contribute to the anti-corruption, anti-dictatorship movement in the Philippines," states BAYAN USA Chair Chito Quijano.

BAYAN Philippines Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr. noted, "Perhaps the difference with people power today is that it's seeds are emerging from various sectors of society despite there being no Cardinal Sin to call for it. People power is springing forth from the grassroots, the schools, factories, communities, businesses, with various political formations are coming together. It is spreading despite the limitations of the church hierarchy."

"Now more than ever, we need to recall the lessons of people power and so we can come up with an improved version for our times. The new people power will not simply be led by any religious leader a la Cardinal Sin. Nor will it just seek to replace one regime with a worse one. We have certainly learned lessons from EDSA 1 and EDSA 2," Reyes added.

The theme of the BAYAN protest actions will be People Power Pa Rin! (People Power Still!), a call that is growing popular even among overseas Filipinos in various countries. BAYAN USA has a considerable number of second and third generation Filipino members in the US who fully unite with the call and understand its relevance.

"Nothing is impossible. After 20 years of living under the iron fist of Marcos, the Filipino people made the so-called 'impossible' happen with People Power 1, and again with Estrada with People Power 2. These experiences prove that the Filipino people can make this new brand of People Power possible-- one that will reject the corruption and moral bankruptcy of Trapo   ►

 (traditional politician) politics, and one that will not allow another Trapo to simply replace Gloria. Even second-generation Fil-Ams can smell what is rotten about Arroyo from 30,000 miles away and know that the Philippine system needs to change," Quijano ended.

BAYAN USA hopes to mounts actions with allies and friends in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities in the US calling for the resignation or ouster of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo next week. BAYAN USA also calls on all sympathetic forces in the United States to mount creative actions calling for the immediate removal of Arroyo. ###

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STOP NA!
Southern Tagalog Organization and People's Network Against Corruption, Poverty, and Attack on People's Rights

PRESS RELEASE
Reference: Bani Cambronero
February 25, 2008
Rev. Joel Tindero
General Secretary, 4KTK

Church groups and various sectors in Southern Tagalog commemorate EDSA 1
Forge broad alliance against corruption and hold protest actions

To mark the 22nd anniversary of Edsa 1, different sectors from the Southern Tagalog region convened to form a broad regional alliance against poverty and corruption. Church leaders from Kapatirang Kristyano para sa Katarungan at Kapayapaan-Timog Katagalugan (4KTK) and Christian Movement for Good Governance led the formation of STOP NA! (Southern Tagalog Organization of People's Networks Against Corruption, Poverty and attack on People's Rights) in a forum held in Central 1 Elementary School, Brgy. 6, Calamba City.

Convenors and supporters of the alliance wore white and red ribbons to symbolize their call for truth and the continuing vigilance and struggle of the people of Southern Tagalog. To express support, Senate star witness on the NBN scam Jun Lozada sent a message via phone patch. Senator Panfilo Lacson also attended the said activity.

At 5:00 PM, STOP NA! led 500 protestors in a protest action at Crossing, Calamba, Laguna as part of the nationally-coordinated protest for truth and accountability. The protesters set free several white doves to rekindle the spirit of People Power 1.

Protest actions were also held in various key cities and towns in Cavite, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

"We should stand up against corruption because it aggravates poverty and deprives the poor of their right to social services such as housing, education, and health," Rev. Joel Tindero, general secretary of 4KTK, said. He said it is the role of the church in these crucial times to be a "moral guide" like the prophets in finding the truth and exposing anomalies in the government. "We call on the people to unite and not be afraid to respond to the call for communal action against corruption and other evils even in the highest seat of government."

A regional protest center has been put up in front of the Calamba Central Terminal where various activities will be held every day to drum up the campaign. Protest centers will also be set up in other provinces.

4KTK is composed of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), Iglesia Filipina Independiente, United Methodist Church (UMC), and EIMELIEF. Other convenors of the alliance are partylist groups Bayan Muna, Anakpawis and Gabriela, militant people's organizations Bayan-ST, labor organization Pamantik-KMU, peasant organization KASAMA-TK, youth organization ANAKBAYAN-TK, urban poor organization KADAMAY-TK, and other groups from the ranks of government employees, lawyers, teachers, businessmen, and fraternities such as the Tau Gamma Fraternity.

Support was also expressed by Calamba Vice Mayor Pursino Oruga and Calamba Councilor Niño Lajara.

"This is the most corrupt administration. The Arroyo family has transformed the government into a private enterprise for their own selfish interests. It is so corrupt, so rotten and so evil," Bani Cambronero, one of the convenors of STOP NA!, said.

"The people of Southern Tagalog have always been active in advancing genuine societal change as attested by the wide participation of various sectors in the region during People Power 1 and 2. People Power 1 has shown us that each generation contributes its own share in the advancement of genuine national development and democracy. Now, amid a heightening political crisis similar to that which led to former Pres. Estrada's ouster, we unify people from all walks of life in the region to defend the future of the nation from those who abuse power," Cambronero said.

For inquiries, please contact Arman - 09294977190.

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Click here for YouTube video of march to Mendiola

PRESS RELEASE
February 23, 2008

Moro group commemorates EDSA 1, calls for GMA’s ouster

COTABATO CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) organization here will commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the EDSA 1 People Power uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship on Monday, February 25.

The group will participate in the nationally-coordinated protest lead by Bagong Alyansa Makabayan amid fresh allegations of corruption and calls for ouster facing the Arroyo administration.

Bai Ali Indayla, the group’s national secretary-general, said that the NBN-ZTE scandal is just one of the numerous anomalies scourging President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration. Most recent is the massacre of eight innocent civilians in Maimbung, Sulu ‘where as commander-in-chief, she was held responsible.’

“GMA has no heart for the Bangsamoro people. In the guise of chasing after Abu Sayyaf elements, the Moro people are often times the victims. Among cases of killings, not even one was resolved,” Indayla exclaimed.

The group said that their action on Monday will be a build-up towards a bigger mobilization to a “new brand of people power” that was announced by Catholic bishops last Tuesday (February 19).

“Now is the time for the Moro people to be united in kicking out a corrupt and callous president. Under GMA’s tenure, the rate of poor Moro families has continue to increase as well as cases of rights violations and extra-judicial killings,” Indayla stressed.

According to Ibon Foundation, an independent research institute, seven out of 10 Filipinos are poor and jobless. Pulse Asia, on the other hand, reported GMA as the most corrupt president in the Philippine history.

Moreover, Indayla also lambasted the “unity walk” of GMA with her dummies as “a hysterical effort to project an untouchable façade in coping the enraged Filipino people.”

“Their effort shows that their days are counted as the day passes by. Their number continues to decrease every day. Whatever their efforts are, the Filipino people are certain in saying ‘Enough of GMA!’ The Bangsamoro people could no longer endure this corrupt, fascist and illegitimate government,” Indayla ended.

For reference:

Bai Ali Indayla

National secretary-general of Suara Bangsamoro

Mobile # 0921.9064.699/Tel. # 064.421.5680

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Mendiola and the streets of Metro Manila

as Day Care and Early Learning Centers

Marching feet:

People's march to Mendiola to kick out the Evil in the Palace

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