CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND ALL COMRADES
OF OUR BELOVED CRISPIN 'KA BEL' BELTRAN

By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Chairperson, International Coordinating Committee
International League of Peoples' Struggle
May 21, 2008

On behalf of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) and all participating organizations of the International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS)), I wish to convey most heartfelt condolences to the family and all comrades of our beloved Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran, the first ICC chairperson and honorary chairperson of the ILPS.

We are deeply saddened by the passing away of Ka Bel. We share the grief of the working class and oppressed peoples of the Philippines and the world. But we are consoled and inspired by his great achievements as a labor leader, as a patriot in the service of the Filipino people and as an internationalist fighting for the accomplishment of the historic mission of the working class and the national and social liberation of all oppressed peoples.

Ka Bel brought into the ILPS and the anti-imperialist and democratic movement of the people of the world the great benefits and high prestige of his statesmanship, his accomplishments as leader of the working class and the people, his fearless dedication to their revolutionary cause and incessant struggle against monopoly capitalism and all reaction.

Ka Bel was an outstanding fighter for national liberation and democracy for over fifty years, up to the time that he held his last positions as chairman of the Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) party list and as member of the Philippine House of Congress. He excelled in defending the national and democratic rights and interests of the workers, peasants, urban poor and other exploited people and in fighting the US-imposed policy of neoliberal globalization and the US-instigated global war of terror.

At a very early age, Ka Bel volunteered as a courier for the guerillas against the Japanese occupation during World War II. Subsequently, he
became a farm worker and took odd jobs to support his studies. He became a gasoline boy, messenger, bus driver and taxi driver. At the age of 20, he and his fellow drivers conducted a strike against
unfair labor practices. The police brutally attacked their picket line, injuring many and killing three protesting workers. Thereafter, Ka
Bel dedicated his life to the working class movement.

Ka Bel became president of the Yellow Taxi Drivers' Union. He further organized the Amalgamated Taxi Drivers Association and became its President from 1955 to 1963. Together with Felixberto 'Ka Bert' Olalia, Feliciano Reyes and Cesar Lacarra, veterans in the militant tradition of the Philippine labor movement, he organized the Confederation of Labor
Unions of the Philippines (CLP) and became its Vice-President from 1963 to 1972. He also participated in the formation of the Philippine Workers Congress and such other labor organizations as KASAMA and PACMAP, which defied Marcos' preparations for and unleashing of martial law.

During the Marcos fascist dictatorship, Ka Bel had a major role in establishing the Federation of Unions in Rizal and the Philippine Nationalist Labor  Organization (PANALO), which became the Alliance of Nationalist Genuine Labor Organizations (ANGLO). These helped prepare the ground for the founding of Kilusang Mayo Uno in 1980. From an initial 100,000,the KMU increased its membership to half a million in the 1980s. The KMU united and strengthened the working class and the entire people in the fight against the Marcos fascist dictatorship.

When Marcos tried to suppress the KMU and the resurgent trade union movement in August 1982, Ka Bel was one of the leaders who were arrested and detained. In November 1984, he escaped from prison, went to the countryside and organized workers and peasants from the underground. He was a brilliant heroic model of defiance and resistance to the Marcos fascist dictatorship.

After the fall of Marcos in 1986, he surfaced from the underground and became active once more in the KMU. Together with other mass leaders, we formed the Partido ng Bayan. After Rolando "Ka Lando" Olalia was brutally murdered in 1987, Ka Bel assumed the presidency of KMU. He ran for senator under the banner of Partido ng Bayan. But his candidacy was frustrated by a campaign of electoral fraud and terrorism unleashed by the reactionaries to disable and destroy the Partido ng Bayan.

Ka Bel stayed on as president of the KMU until March 2003.

He also served as a member of the National Council of the multi-sectoral alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)  in 1985 and became its national chairperson from 1993 to 1999. From 2001 to 2003, he was Vice President of the Bayan Muna (People First) Party List and served the first of his three terms as member of the Philippine House of Representatives. In 2004 and 2007, he was elected as the representative under the Anakpawis Partylist.

In Congress, Ka Bel excelled in sponsoring bills characterized by a high sense of patriotism and advocacy of the rights and welfare of the oppressed and exploited people. He was commended by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism for filing the most number of bills and
resolutions and for a nearly perfect attendance until his arrest in February 2006.

His three terms in the House of Representatives resulted in his recognition as Filipino of the Year and Most Outstanding Congressman
for four consecutive years from 2002 to 2005. In 2006, was honored as part of the Congressional Hall of Fame.

For being a steadfast fighter in the interest of the toiling masses and for being an incorruptible public official, Ka Bel together with other progressive members of Congress earned the ire of the Arroyo regime and became the target of persecution through false charges. He was illegally arrested and detained for one year and a half. I had the honor of being a co-accused of Ka Bel in a false charge of rebellion, which was ultimately nullified by the Philippine Supreme Court. ►►►►
 

From: Embassy of Venezuela

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

Sen.Jamby Mardrigal and Mr. Eric Valade

Until his death, the Arroyo regime persisted in persecuting him with the false charge of inciting to sedition case. Under the baton of the regime, the Metropolitan Court of Quezon City refused to dismiss the charge despite its flagrant falsity and illegality. He continued to be the target of relentless efforts of the regime to imprison him, destroy the progressive partylists and remove their representatives in Congress. Persecution through the trumping up of false charges has become a major form of human rights violation in the Philippines and has extended even to The Netherlands in the persecution of Filipinos opposing the Arroyo regime.

Ka Bel has won a place of glory in the history of the working class and people for upholding, defending and advancing their rights, interests and aspirations for a new and better world of greater freedom, democracy, social justice, development and peace against imperialism and all reaction. Ka Bel will always live in our hearts and minds. His legacy of fighting for national and social liberation will always inspire the people in the current and further generations.

Ka Bel was slated to speak on neoliberal globalization and labor before the plenary session of the Third International Assembly of the ILPS in Hong Kong on June 18, 2008. We shall miss him and hear others on the topic. But his spirit shall be present and shall move all of us. The ILPS vows to perpetuate and avail of his legacy of revolutionary resoluteness and valiant struggle in the worldwide anti-imperialist and democratic movement of the people.###

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Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracty (CONTEND) STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF KA BEL
MAY 22, 2008

REPRESENT!

The life of Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran is one of the last great exemplars of a generation who lived through the period of colonialism and neo-colonialism in Philippine society. His life story starkly sums up an historical moment of our nation’s struggle against the violence of foreign domination reinforced by the ruthless collaboration of a few ruling elites. While the oppressors committed themselves to barbarism in order to force history to their side by pulling it backwards, Ka Bel marched forward with the laboring people; and with dignity that was irrefutably his.

Ka Bel knew how to fight and whom to do it for. As a teenager, he must have realized the terrifying whims of colonialism. And so in his youth, he fought against Japanese occupation by serving as courier for the Filipino guerillas. In his ripe age, we bear witness to his unwavering struggle against a brutal regime that is the Arroyo administration and to his resolute resistance against the deadly horrors of neoliberal globalization.

All throughout his life, Ka Bel upheld the dignity of labor. For quite a while, mainstream media have bombarded its audience with that all too familiar rags to riches accounts of those who have “made it.” But with Ka Bel’s death, we are made aware of some of the humbling details of this man’s life as a janitor, a jeepney driver, a taxi driver, a staunch opponent of Martial Law, a political prisoner, a labor leader and a Partylist representative of peasants, workers and the toiling masses.

 

He is, indeed, a working class hero. But not because he died a poor man. That poor people die everyday in even worse circumstances on account of a system which Ka Bel sought to transform; that this same person saw through the treacherous appearance of legality and thus forged the strongest solidarity with thousands upon thousands of Filipino masses under the banner of national democracy; and that he left us with a legacy that wards off the impostures of tyrants--these are the hallmarks of a heroic life.

And in his death, what he has bequeathed to us, educators, is a memory of a singular presence: the authenticity of his life as a subjective force, one that from now on will play a significant determinant of political action from among our ranks.

Our Ka Bel, knew how to live, he knew how to fight, he knew how to truly represent.

Ipagpatuloy ang Laban ni Ka Bel!
Mabuhay ang Uring Manggagawa!
Isulong ang Pakikibaka para sa Pambansang Demokrasya tungo sa Sosyalismo!
 

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HUWAG MONG ISIPING ANG IYONG PAGYAO'Y DI PAGLISAN NG ISANG BAYANI
Alexander Martin Remollino

Sa alaala ni Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran,
lider-manggagawa, 1933-2008

Maramot sa liwanag ang araw
at siya'y nagtatago sa likod ng mga abuhing ulap
nang ikaw ay iwan ng huli mong hininga.

Hindi ka nasawi sa larangan,
di-gaya ng siya mong nais.
Ngunit huwag mo sanang isiping ang iyong pagyao
ay hindi paglisan ng isang bayani,
sapagkat hanggang sa huli mong hininga,
may ligtas na pahingahan sa iyong puso't isip
silang nagpapagal
upang bigyan ang bansa't ang buong daigdig
ng bubong na masisilungan, kalasag
laban sa dahas ng unos at lupit ng araw.
Hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang sandali,
ang bawat tibok ng iyong puso ay laan
sa kanilang nagbabaon ng mga pako sa kahoy at kongkreto
upang itindig sa lupa ang mga tahanan.

Ikaw ay bayani,
kaya't nauukol na mabuhay nang walang hanggan
sa pambansang alaala
upang maging tanglaw sa umagang makulimlim
at sa gabing walang buwan at bituin.
 

NEVER THINK YOUR PASSING WAS NOT THAT OF A HERO
Alexander Martin Remollino

To the memory of Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran

Leader of the working class, 1933-2008

The sun was stingy with its light
and it was hiding behind ashen clouds
when your last breath left you.

You did not die "in battle,"
contrary to your wishes.
But never think that your passing
was not that of a hero,
for up to your last breath,
you had in your heart and mind
a safe resting place
for those who court weariness
to give their countrymen and the whole human race
roofs above their heads, shields
against the violence of the storms and the harshness of the heat.
Up to the very last moment,
every beat of your heart was devoted
to those who drive nails into wood and concrete
that homes may rise from the soil.

You are a hero,
and thus deserve to eternally live
in the nation's memory
so as to be a guiding light
on cloudy mornings and moonless, starless nights

NDFP RENDERS THE HIGHEST HONORS TO CRISPIN “KA BEL” BELTRAN, GREAT HERO OF THE WORKING CLASS AND FILIPINO PEOPLE AND GREAT INTERNATIONALIST
22 May 2008

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and its seventeen allied organizations deeply mourn the death of Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran, great hero of the working class and the Filipino people and a great internationalist in the world-wide anti-imperialist movement. The NDFP conveys its most heartfelt condolences to his wife Ka Osang and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ka Bel’s invaluable contribution to the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation is ineradicably carved in the more than sixty years of his militant struggle against foreign and domestic oppressors and exploiters. From the time he joined the resistance against Japanese occupation as a courier for the Filipino guerrilla fighters to his organizing of fellow taxi drivers, organizing militant workers’ federations, opposing the Marcos dictatorship and becoming a political prisoner, then escaping and organizing workers and peasants in the countryside, then becoming the President of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement) and the multi-sectoral alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), to becoming an elected representative in the Philippine Congress, he has compiled a brilliant record of fearlessly fighting for the interests of the working class and the Filipino people.

Ka Bel also distinguished himself as an outstanding internationalist in the world-wide anti-imperialist movement. He attended international conferences and spoke at international demonstrations against imperialist plunder and wars of aggression. He was elected the first chairman of the International Coordinating Committee of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle in 2001. Wherever he went, he made a deep impression on the overseas Filipino communities, the trade unionists from other countries, and parliamentarians and officials of governmental and intergovernmental institutions, thereby winning valuable international support for the struggle of the working class and the Filipino people.

For all his great accomplishments and positions of honor he attained, he remained an unassuming person, closely integrated with the toiling masses and working people, exuding a radiant winning style of leadership. He was fearless and uncompromising in fighting oppressors and standing up for the interests of the people but very amiable to the working people and allies, especially to those suffering from injustice.

His sharp analytical mind has been invaluable to the people’s struggle for national and social liberation, especially at critical times. When those who wanted to derail the people’s struggle aimed to mislead the workers’ movement in the early 1990s, Ka Bel stood like a pillar of strength and wisdom to oppose the renegades and help keep the workers’ movement and the people’s overall struggle in the correct direction.

Ka Bel did not hesitate to show his support for NDFP Chief Political Consultant, Prof. Jose Maria Sison, by attending the hearing of Prof. Sison’s case at the Luxembourg Court. Whenever a delegation of the NDFP visited the Philippines, he would welcome them. When an NDFP delegation visited the Philippines in 2001 to attend an international peace solidarity conference in Manila, Ka Bel and his fellow workers warmly received the NDFP delegation with a rousing candle-lit welcome.
 

As President of the Anakpawis party list and its representative in Congress, he epitomized the worker-peasant alliance, the firm foundation of the national united front. It is known that after he escaped from the Marcos prison in 1984, he integrated with and helped organize peasants in the countryside.

Ka Bel’s unassuming style of leadership is narrated in innumerable stories of his friends and co-workers. Two instances while he was abroad also demonstrate this characteristic of Ka Bel. After joining several groups that went to Luxembourg for the hearing on Prof. Sison’s case, when the car he was riding in got stuck in a stretch of muddy road, he went down and helped push out the car. His coat and pants got spattered with mud, but he took all this good-naturedly. After being one of the main speakers at the international demonstration in Vancouver, he carried some of the placards and other materials of the demonstration and walked back with the organizers to return them. He did this without much ado. It was all very natural to him.

Wherever Ka Bel was, whether in the streets of Hong Kong denouncing the imperialist plunder through the World Trade Organization, in Vancouver exposing the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) speaking to thousands of demonstrators from different lands, in the parliament of the streets in Manila and other parts of the Philippines, or in the halls of the Philippine Congress, his uncompromising stand for the workers and oppressed stood high and strong. His message, clearly shown in the streamers honoring him, with his clenched fist raised and revolutionary determination written all over his countenance, rings loud and clear: “The struggle goes on!”
The inspiration of Ka Bel’s life and commitment as a great proletarian fighter will live on in the hearts and minds of those who carry on the struggle and cause he selflessly lived for.

NATIONAL COUNCIL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

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KA BEL

Ang lider ay isang sangkap lamang ng tagumpay,
Ang masa ang siyang tunay na mapagpasiya.
Maraming beses na nating sinabi sa kanila,
Subalit makunat talaga ang kanilang utak,
Ayaw nang talaban ng ating katotohanan.
Iligpit ang lider at tuluyang mawawasak
Ang rebolusyong binabalak, iyan lamang
Ang kaya nilang paniwalaan.

Ulianin ang katarungang atas ng Malakanyang,
Dinaklot ng batas na walang kinamuwangan
Ang lider ng Anakpawis, di-umano’y imbitasyong lang,
Proklamasyon 1017 ang mahigpit na dahilan.
Nang maikandado ang seldang kulungan,
Inakala nilang nalumpo na ang himagsikan,
Kaliweteng party-list di na makagagalaw.

Subalit ang mga manggagawa, lahat ng anakpawis
Na walang pangalan sa mga pabrika at lansangan,
Ang mga pagtutol na isinisigaw, ang pagkakabigkis
Lalong tumitibay—Palayain si Crispin Beltran!
Ang masa, ang masa, pag nabuksan ang isipan,
Uugit ng landas tungo sa kalayaan.
Diwa ni Ka Bel di kayang ihiwalay ng rehas na bakal
Sa sambayang kanyang pinaglingkuran,
Naging sinag ng araw na tumimo sa kamalayan,
At ngayo’y liwanag na nagpupumiglas
Sa dilim at dagim na isinasabog ng Malakanyang.
Loob nati’y tibayan, likumin ang kaliwanagan,
Bukang-liwayway ng ating paglaya’y
Hinding-hindi na mapipigilan!

BIEN LUMBERA
Binigkas sa ika-50 anibersaryo ng kasal
 

Bakit Tumaas ang Presyon ng Dugo ni Ka Bel

"Nananawagan ako sa mamamayang Pilipino na labanan ang pahirap na diktadurya ni Gng. Arroyo. Ako ay nagsisikap na makalaya sa ilegal na pagkakakulong na ito, para makasama kayo sa mga laban sa loob at labas ng Kongreso."
- Rep. Crispin Beltran,
bago siya ipasok sa Camp Crame
para sa inquest ng kasong rebelyon.

Si Ka Bel,
kilala ng marami - lalo na
ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka't
mga maralitang taga-lungsod -
ay walang habas na dinakip
at ipiniit sa paratang na
nagpapasiklab ng rebolusyon.

(Sa utos ng Presidenteng baligtad
ang pagkakilala sa kalayaan at demokrasya).

Sa pinakahuling balita,
tumaas daw ang presyon ng dugo ni Ka Bel,
hindi sa sindak o ligalig -
(sa pitumpung taon nang walang lubay
na pakikibaka'y tinakasan na yata siya ng takot)
kundi sa galit:

kasalanan ba ang ipaglaban
ang karapatan sa makatwirang sahod?
Ang paglaban para sa mga nagbubungkal ng lupa
at pagtutol sa demolisyon?

Ay! Palalong pinuno.
Sagot sa kahirapa'y buwis
sa hinaing ay bala
at sinumang maghayag ng katotohanan
ay walang salang bubusalan sa bibig.

Ano'ng kabalintunaan?
Ikinukulong ang nagtatanggol sa mamamayan.
At pinapaslang ang humihiyaw ng katarungan.

Sa loob ng piitan
si Ka Bel ay nagngingitngit,
hindi pinanghihinaan ng loob.
Igapos o ikulong man,
walang magawa ang Estado
sa patuloy na pagtakas
ng kanyang galit
sa mga taong sanhi ng pagkaduhagi
ng minamahal niyang kauri.

Soliman Agulto Santos
3 Marso 2006

Photo shows Ka Bel while being held by military agents

Click here for tribute video for Ka Bel

A PROFILE OF ANAKPAWIS REP. CRISPIN B. BELTRAN
Kilusang Mayo Uno
http://www.kilusangmayouno.org/files/profile_of_Ka_Bel.pdf

For the last two decades, the name Crispin B. Beltran has been associated with pickets, demonstrations, strikes, and generally everything connected to the militant labor movement. Not surprising with him being the chairman of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). Since August of 2001, however, he has become known as something else ­ a member of one of the biggest, most influential bastions of conservatism in the country, the House of Representatives. From 2001-2003, he was one of three Bayan Muna solons. From 2004 up to present, he now stands as the chairman and representative for labor and urban poor concerns of the Anakpawis partylist. Ka Bel breathes, lives and practices the politics of change and nationalism with the same fervor he does as a leader of the parliament of the streets.

But no less interesting than his politics is his personal life. His love life alone is the stuff of movies, megged by the late Lino Brocka or Ysmael Bernal, crossed with Jose Javier Reyes. Since 1956, Ka Bel has been married to the former Rosario Soto from Malolos, Bulacan. There's a joke circulating around activist circles that goes "Ka Bel is a voice who should be heard in the Lower House, but in his own house, it's Ka Osang whom he listens to."

This is their love story. Ka Osang is the product of a broken home. Her parents separated early in her childhood, and as the youngest among the three children, she was left to an elderly relative, her father's aunt who lived in Gagalangin, Tondo. Ka Osang grew up wanting for nothing ­ she was given new dresses and jewelry whenever she asked for them.

But in exchange, she had to be obedient to the very strict, and sometimes unreasonable rules of her grandmother. She was entered in La Concepcion, a convent- school, and was told never to look at members of the opposite sex. "Wala talaga akong kaalam-alam sa mga lalaki nun. Si Papa lang at yung mga kapatid ko ang pwede kong kausapin." ("I knew the least thing about boys or men.The only males I was aware of were my father and my brothers.")

But the great aunt and the nuns combined were not able to curb the young girl's adventurous spirit. One morning, On November 10, 1956 she cut classes and together with a few classmates, sneaked into a moviehouse.

"Pinanood namin si Nida Blanca at si Nestor de Villa. Pero pag-uwi ko, nalaman na ni Lola ang ginawa ko. Matindi ang naging away," she says. (:|"We used to watch Nestor de Villa and Nida Blanca. When I got home, I found out that my grandmother already knew what I had done. There was a dreadful argument.")

In turned out that the Mother Superior herself came to the house and told her grandmother of what happened. Livid at being lied to, the grandmother slapped Ka Osang and told her to leave. And that's what she did. By 12 noonshe was wandering around Quiapo, with nothing but the clothes on her back and the other piece which her enraged grandmother threw at Ka Osang as she left the house.

In a daze, she entered into one of the taxis that was parked in front of Plaza Miranda. The driver was the man who would be her husband, the then 26-year old Crispin. "Napansin kong bata pa siya, at medyo tulala," was his first impression. ("I immediately noticed how young she was, and how lost she looked.") He asked her where she was going. Still reeling from her experience, she answered 'Derecho ka lang." (Just go straight ahead.") background image They had reached Monumento, but she still hadn't given Ka Bel specific directions. He stopped the taxi and turned to face her. Ka Osang remembers, "Naiinis na sya. 'Saan ba talaga tayo?" sabi niya. Ako naman, wala sa sarili, naiyak na. Sinabi ko na yung nangyari." (He started getting irritated. He kept asking me where it was really that I wanted to go. I started crying and told him the entire story.") Ka Bel was very sympathetic. She reminded him of his sisters back home in Bacacay, Albay.

He looked at her with compassion, and told her that he would drive her home. He also urged her to apologize to her Lola, "Masama magtanim ng galit sa kapamilya." (It's not good to harbor resentment against family.")

Ka Osang shook her head and made a move to get out. By then, night had fallen. Ka Bel refused to let her go ­ "May masama pang mangyari sa iyo ­ parang wala kang kaalam-alam sa mundo." ("Something bad might happen to you -- you look like you don't know anything about what goes on in the world." )

So he took her to his boarding house in San Juan where he lived with a few others, and told her to stay the night. She stayed there, in Ka Bel's room, for three days. "Tulala lang ako, nakatingin sa labas ng bintana. Kain, tulog, tatanga sa bintana, iiyak, matutulog. Sa susunod na araw, ganun na naman." ("I was almost catatonic. I would just stare out the window. I would eat, sleep, stare out the window. The next ay would be the same and the day after that.") She was alone most of the time, as Ka Bel drove the taxi all day, and at night attended school at the Asian Labor Education Center at the University of the Philippines. When he got home at night, she would already be asleep, on a low, wide bench that served as a bed, while Ka Bel had his own bed across the room.

"Ni hindi ko alam ang pangalan nya nun. Ang tawag ko sa kanya kuya," Ka Osang recollects, laughing.("I didn't even know what his name was.") Did she ever get a crush on him? "Wala akong pakialam talaga sa kanya nun, ang iniisip ko lang sarili ko. Pero napaka-maalalahanin niya."

("I really didnt care much about him at the time. I ws just looking out for myself; but I do remember thinking how thoughtful he was.") It was at that time when Ka Bel gave her what she calls his first gift. "Dilaw na sepilyong naka-kahon. May tatak na Good Morning." ("A yellow toothbrush in a box, with a label 'Good Morning" on it")

On the third day, Ka Osang wanted to go home But not wanting to further inconvenience Ka Bel, she left the house without telling him. "Nang malaman ng papa ko kung saan ako napunta noong naglayas ako, galit na galit siya! Pinuntuhan nila yung bahay ni Ka Bel, tapos binugbog siya. Wala naman akong magawa."

("When my father found out, he flew into a rage. He went to Ka Bel's house and beat him up. I couldn't do anything but watch.").....
 

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21 May 2008

The highest and most revered salute to Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran:

Working class hero of the people

“A hero serves the people to his very last breath.”

Jose Maria Sison

It is with this inspiring message that the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement Labor Centre) and the whole Filipino working class mourn the sudden demise of Anakpawis (or Toiling Masses) Representative and KMU Chairperson Emeritus Crispin Beltran.  He died at 11:48am at the Far Eastern University hospital in Quezon City today due to severe head injuries after falling 14 feet from the roof of his house, trying to do some repair work. He was 75.

Affectionately known as “Ka Bel” by the multitudes in factories, workplaces, urban poor, and migrant worker communities throughout the Philippines and solidarity networks around the world whom he staunchly served, he has withstood the test of time, pressure, even under political persecution, in standing up to injustice in whatever form to fight for national freedom and democracy in the Philippines, and for a just and fair society for workers and people of the world.

KMU expresses its deepest and sincerest condolences to the family of Ka Bel.  We join all comrades and friends in honoring him for his countless contributions and achievements as a patriotic, anti-imperialist, and democratic worker, labor leader, lawmaker, and activist.  His working class commitment inspires us to advance the fight for genuine, militant, and anti-imperialist unionism.

While we are enveloped in grief with the tragic loss of this highly esteemed comrade, KMU is reminded of the legacy he has left behind which resonates throughout the working class movement.  From the time he worked as a young taxi driver and becoming a labor leader in 1955, Ka Bel was instrumental in continuing the labor movement’s militant tradition and helped found the KMU in 1980.  After being arrested under the Marcos regime in August 1982, Ka Bel escaped in November 1984 and organized among workers and peasants in the countryside.  He then selflessly stepped up into the chairmanship of KMU when Rolando “Ka Lando” Olalia was brutally murdered in 1987.  He was the chairperson of KMU until 2003 when he was bestowed as Chairperson Emeritus of the organization.

As an elected representative of the party list group Bayan Muna (or People First) in 2001, then later Anakpawis (or Toiling Masses) in 2004 and 2007, Ka Bel steadfastly  carried the interest of the workers to the halls of the Congress.  Among the bills he has filed are the PhP 125 daily wage increase for private sector workers and PhP 3000 daily wage hike for public sector workers, the repeal of the Assumption of Jurisdiction, the abolition of the Electric Power Reform Act (EPIRA), the abolition of the oil deregulation law, a bill against massive labor contractualization practices and many others.  At the time of his death, he was set to file a bill calling for the repeal of the extended value added tax for oil products which is causing very high prices of oil.

Ka Bel is also a true internationalist and carried the spirit of proletarian internationalism to his heart.  He became the founding chairperson of the International League of People’s Struggle, as well as a leader and member of various international and regional formations.  Unmindful of his old age and deteriorating health condition, Ka Bel traveled to various countries upon invitation of migrant workers and solidarity networks to speak at conferences, fora and meetings on the plight of the Filipino workers and the struggle of the working class against imperialist globalization.

KMU will pay its highest tribute to Ka Bel, a great labor leader and a courageous hero of the working class and people.  The tribute will be held at the Philippine Independent Church (PIC) along Taft Avenue, Manila at 8:00 – 10:00pm on May 21 (Tuesday).  His remains will stay at PIC until May 26.

Internment schedule:

May 20                  funeral service at Funeraria Paz Memorial Homes;

                            remains to stay at Ka Bel’s residence for the night at

                             Lot 16, Blk 30, Francisco Homes 3, San Jose del

                             Monte, Bulacan

May 21                  Trade Union night.  Tribute to be led by Kilusang Mayo

                             Uno.

3:00pm assembly at Plaza Salamanca, Kalaw, Manila to wait for  

            the remains of Ka Bel then short march to PIC

7:00 pm – public viewing

8:00 – 10:00 pm – workers’ tribute

May 23 –  Misa ng mga Obispo ng IFI – 6:30-7:30 ng umaga
Parangal ng mga kawani sa pampublikong sektor
(IFI Cathedral, Manila ) 4:30 - 6:30pm
Parangal ng Partido Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, at Gabriela Womens Partylist (IFI Cathedral, Manila )
7- 9pm
 
May 24-25 – Parangal ng mga kababayan at kamag-anak sa     Bacacay, Albay
 
May 26 – Parangal ng Bayan
 
May 27 – Parangal ng mga sektor ng Anakpawis, Central Luzon at Timog Katagalugan (IFI Cathedral, Manila ) 6:30pm
 
May 28 – Requiem Mass, Necrological Services at Interment sa House of Representatives at Martsa-Libing  
 

Please join us in paying the highest honors to this selfless and dedicated man who served the Filipino people and the whole working class for more than five decades of his life.

Messages of solidarity and condolences can be sent to Mr. Elmer Labog, KMU Chairperson, at kmu.intl@gmail.com.  We will read excerpts of your messages at tonight’s tribute to Ka Bel and at other tribute programs.  We also wish to thank all those who have already sent in their messages.  We have forwarded them to the family of Ka Bel and they are sending their appreciation for your solidarity during this trying moment of their lives. 

Financial donations for the funeral service and other related burial expenses of Ka Bel are very much welcome.  Please write us for inquiries on how you can forward your donation.  You may also call KMU at (632) 421-1049, 421-0986 and 421-0768.

Thank you.

In solidarity,

Tess Dioquino, Secretary. International Department, KMU

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Former DOTC Sec. Josefina Lichauco

and Jesus is Lord leader Eddie Villanueva

Press statement of Anakpawis partylist
May 20, 2008

Working class hero Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran leaves a living legacy

Today, Rep. Crispin B. Beltran, ANAKPAWIS Party list representative on his 3rd term in Congress, a great labor leader, an incorruptible
parliamentarian, staunch fighter for national freedom, democracy and
international working class solidarity, died at 11:48am at the FEU
hospital in Quezon City due to severe head injuries. He was 75.

We mourn with his family and friends, comrades and colleagues. Yet, in
his passing, he left a distinctive and brilliant legacy of fighting
for the interest of the workers and oppressed peoples. Rep. Beltran is
scheduled to file a bill to remove the e-vat on electric power to
lower the rates affecting his constituents. Rep. Beltran's study of
his legislative measures are for the protection of the underprivileged
and other marginalized sectors.

Crispin Beltran, more endeared to the masses as "Ka Bel", is a living
legend and epitome of militancy and progressive lawmaking in the
country. He is currently the Chairman of the national political party
Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist and is its re-elected
Representative in the Philippine Congress.

Having been an activist for over fifty long years, Ka Bel is esteemed
by laborers, peasants, urban poor and other marginalized sectors as a
true defender of the toiling masses and staunch critic of
privatization, deregulation and other destructive policies of
globalization.

Ka Bel also stands against the United States' war of aggression on
Iraq and its war on terror. He also is steadfast in his call for
respect for national sovereignty and international unity against
foreign intervention.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, at an early age, Ka
Bel volunteered as a courier for the guerillas. After the war, he
worked as a farm hand and janitor to support his studies. He then
worked as a gasoline boy, messenger, bus driver and later on, a taxi
driver. At age 20, he joined his fellow drivers in a strike against
unfair labor practices. The police attacked their picket line, injured
many and claimed the lives of three protesting workers. Since then, Ka
Bel vowed to fight alongside the working class.

He organized the Amalgamated Taxi Drivers Association, for which he
served as President from 1955 up to 1963. Together with Felixberto 'Ka
Bert' Olalia and Feliciano Reyes, leaders of the Filipino labor
movement's militant tradition, he organized the Confederation of Labor
of the Philippines (CLP). He was CLP's Vice-President from 1963 to
1972. Ka Bel also helped found the Philippine Workers Congress and
other labor organizations such as KASAMA and PACMAP, which de facto
asserted their recognition during Martial Law.

Under the repressive martial law, Ka Bel helped establish the
Federation of Unions in Rizal and the Philippine Nationalist Labor
Organization (PANALO) until KMU was founded in 1980. From 100,000,
KMU's membership soared to 500,000 in the 1980s. The establishment of KMU united and strengthened the people in its fight against the
fascism of the Marcos dictatorship.

When Marcos launched a crackdown in August 1982, Ka Bel was one of
those arrested and detained. In November 1984, he was able to escape,
and went back to organizing workers and peasant s in the countryside.
When Ka Rolando "Lando" Olalia was brutally murdered in 1987, Ka Bel
took over the presidency of KMU. He ran for senator under the banner
of Partido ng Bayan that same year and garnered 1.52 mi llion votes
but lost due to massive "dagdag bawas" (ballot and vote switching)
scheme of elect ion fraud. He remained a leader of the militant union
until March 2003.

He also became a National Council Member of multi-sectoral alliance
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) which means New Patriotic Alliance) in 1985 and also served as its national chairperson from 1993 to 1999. Ka Bel became the chairman of the International League for People's Struggles in 2002. He is also considered as one of the pillars of
international working class solidarity in the era of globalization.

From February 2001 to November 2003, he served as Vice President and one of the three representatives of Bayan Muna (People First)
Partylist to Congress, where he introduced legislations imbued with
his high sense of patriotism and advocacy of the rights and welfare of
the marginalized sectors.

In 2004, he became the representative for Anakpawis Partylist as a
sectoral representative of workers, peasants, urban poor and other
toiling masses. ►►►►

News Release – May 20, 2008
For Reference: Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, 0920-9035683
For more information: Vince Borneo, Media Officer, 0927-7968198

Statement on the death of Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran

Bayan Muna joins the entire Filipino people in mourning the death of our dear comrade, former Kilusang Mayo Uno Chairperson and incumbent Anakpawis Representative Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran.

Ka Bel's death is an irreparable loss not only to the working class movement but to every Filipino yearning for genuine social change. He was a tower of a man, a pillar of strength for the progressive people's movement. His name has become synonymous to the militant labor movement.

Indeed, Ka Bel's leadership in the progressive
people's movement extended beyond our shores. At the time of his death, he was the Chairperson of the International Coordinating Group of the International League of People's Struggle (ILPS), an anti-imperialist and democratic formation of people's movements from more than 30 countries.

In Congress, Ka Bel proved his mettle as a genuine representative of the marginalized and oppressed, representing Bayan Muna in 2001-2003 and later, Partido Anakpawis. His voice was a voice of conscience and defiance to the well-entrenched, reactionary interests dominating thehalls and corridors of power.

This afternoon, we were expecting Ka Bel to join us in filing a bill to remove the Value Added Tax on power. We shall push through with the filing of the bill and include Ka Bel's name as a co-author in honor of his dedication to the struggles of our oppressed and marginalized people.

In his death, Ka Bel now joins Crisanto Evangelista, Ka Bert Olalia and Ka Lando Olalia in that list of great leaders of the revolutionary working class movement.

We shall miss Ka Bel terribly. But his legacy of struggle continues.

Rep. Satur Ocampo
Party President
 

Dr. Reynaldo Lesaca
Party Chairman

Nathanael Santiago
Party Secretary General

Rep. Teddy Casino
Party list representative

Vincent Michael L. Borneo
Political Affairs Officer
(Media and Public Relations)
Office of BAYAN MUNA Rep. Teddy A. Casiño
Rm. 508, North Wing Bldg.,
House of Representatives, Quezon City
Telefax no: 931-5911
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Ka Bel was cited by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism as the partylist representative in the 13th Congress with the most number of bills and resolutions filed, totaling to 130, and with a nearly perfect attendance before his arrest in February 2006.

His three-term stint in the House of Representatives has garnered him
awards such as Filipino of the Year and Most Outstanding Congressman
for four consecutive years from 2002 - 2005, and in 2006, was adjudged
part of the Congressional Hal l of Fame - all these and the respect of
the public he reaped even as the Arroyo regime continues to persecute
him and his fellow activists.

After his arrest and year-and-a-half long arbitrary and illegal
detention initiated by the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration, Ka
Bel was proven innocent of the rebellion charges against him.
Persecution, however, persists through the fabricated inciting to
sedition case that the Metropolitan Court of Quezon City refuses to
dismiss until now, despite legal prohibit ions for duly-elected
officials to be charged with crimes punishable by not more than s ix
years of imprisonment such as inciting to sedition.

In October 2007, Ka Bel exposed bribery attempts by administration
allies, particularly by KAMPI member Francis Ver. He was offered P2
million in exchange for his support to the weak impeachment complaint
against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ka Bel is survived by 11 children, 29 grandchildren and 5 great-grand
children. His remains will be interred at his home, May 20, at Lot 16,
Blk. 30 Francisco, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and transferred to the
UP Catholic Chapel starting May 21. ###
 

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MENSAHE NG PAKIKIRAMAY SA PAGPANAW NI KA BEL, TUNAY, PALABAN AT MAKABAYANG LIDER MANGGAGAWA
May 21, 2008

Taos kamaong pakikiramay ang ipinaaabot ng All UP Workers Union at All UP Academic Employees Union sa kay Ka Osang, sa mga anak at apo at sa lahat ng nagmamahal sa kay Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran, tunay, palaban at makabayang lider manggagawa.

Nagpupugay kami kay Ka Bel sa mahigit na limang dekadang walang pasubaling paglilingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino at sa uring manggagawa.

Inspirasyon sa amin, mga unyonista sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, ang ipinakita ni Ka Bel na katatagan, militansya at katapatan sa uri at sa bayan. Mula sa pagiging organisador ng mga kapwa taxi drivers noong kanyang kabataan tungo sa pagiging Tagapangulong Tagapagtatag sa militanteng Kilusang Mayo Uno sa gitna ng diktadurang US-Marcos, dinanas ni Ka Bel ang panunupil, tortyur at pagkakakulong.

Katulad ng asero, lalo lamang tumigas ang paninindigan ni Ka Bel sa apoy ng pagsubok na kanyang dinaanan sa panahon ng diktadura. Nanatili siyang nasa unahan ng papaigting na pakikibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan at demokrasya hanggang sa kanyang kamatayan. Nasa unahan siya ng panawagan sa pagpapatalsik sa peke, pasista at papet na Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at dumanas muli ng panunupil, tortyur at pagkakakulong.

Tulad ng mga naunang bayani ng kilusang manggagawa, ang kamatayan ni Ka Bel ay kasimbigat ng Bundok Sierra Madre. Magsisilbing maningning na inspirasyon sa amin ang kanyang buhay . Ipinangangako naming ipagpatuloy ang laban para sa sahod, trabaho at karapatan ng uring manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagtataguyod sa militante, progresibo at makabayang unyonismo sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas.►►►►

ON THE PASSING AWAY OF ANAKPAWIS REP. CRISPIN "KA BEL" BELTRAN

Gabriela Women's Party mourns the passing away of veteran labor leader
and militant partylist Representative Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran.

In his death, we have lost a most formidable ally of workers, peasants
and the urban poor.

He has lived a worthy life in defense of the rights of workers and the
toiling masses as president of the Kilusang Mayo Uno and eventually as
a representative of Bayan Muna in the 12th Congress and of Anakpawis
Partylist in the 13th and 14th Congress. Ka Bel is behind the proposed
P125 across the board legislated wage increase and the Genuine
Agrarian Reform Bill.

He has faced battles as political detainee during the Marcos
administration and later on under the Arroyo regime after President
Arroyo declared a crackdown on her most vocal critics and issued
Proclamation 1017.

We grieve with Ka Bel's family and the masses that he has courageously
and wholeheartedly served. We shall carry on his dreams of leaving his
grandchildren and the Filipino masses a more humane and just society.

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Ibaling ang pighati sa militanteng katapangan!!
Ipagpatuloy ang laban ni Ka Bel!!
Mabuhay ang uring manggagawa!!

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Ka Bel: A Modern-Day Prophet against Modern-Day Slavery

A True Champion of Workers' Rights

Like Jesus Christ and the Prophets who denounced injustice, oppression and slavery, Ka Bel is worthy of emulation for being a modern-day prophet against the chains of modern-day slavery in our times.

Though his leftist ideology was incompatible with the beliefs of traditional churches, the life of Ka Bel proved to be even more meaningful than those of the Christians who remained silent and passive in the face of social injustice.

Contrary to the Philippine Constitution's provisions on social justice and the Church's Social Teachings on the value of human work, the dignity of labor and workers' rights are grossly disregarded in the name of profits for big business and the corrupt government. Labor leaders and striking workers are killed, imprisoned and subjected to brutal police and military dispersals in the picketlines. We need many more modern-day prophets in the face of these realities of modern-day slavery.

Ka Bel proved to be a true champion of workers' rights even in the face of persecution under the Marcos dictatorship and the current Arroyo regime. For six decades, Ka Bel's life was consistently devoted for workers' rights and dignity. He championed the people's cause for genuine land reform, just living wages, job security and other fundamental human rights.

Over the years, while 'yellow unions' and their opportunist leaders have entered into self-serving deals with greedy capitalists and the corrupt government, the name of veteran labor leader CRISPIN 'KA BEL' BELTRAN was never tainted by a single act of corruption or compromise to serve personal interests. And while in Congress, he was never tempted to abuse his position and channel public funds for personal gain.

We church people have been challenged to march with Ka Bel and struggling workers who wished to reclaim the dignity of labor and workers' rights. As we now offer prayers and join the Filipino people in rendering the highest tribute to a dearly beloved champion of workers and people's rights, we pledge to keep the spirit of Ka Bel alive as we continue marching with the people.

Tuloy ang laban Ka Bel!

Tuloy ang laban para sa lupa, sahod, trabaho at karapatan!

Tuloy ang laban para sa katotohanan, katarungan at pagbabago!

Patalsikin ang papet, pahirap at pasistang rehimeng US-Arroyo!
 

Promotion of Church People's Response (PCPR)
May 20, 2008

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LFS pays tribute to Ka Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran

The League of Filipino Students (LFS) and its chapters nationwide pays
its highest tribute to Rep. Crispin Beltran, a great revolutionary
leader, a man who constantly and tirelessly devoted his life for the
interests of the working masses, especially the poor.

We salute Ka Bel for his lifelong dedication to upholding the national
democratic aspirations of the oppressed people. We especially look up
to him for remaining firm and courageous despite the constant
harassment and fascist acts of violence imposed upon his person by the
enemies of the Filipino people.

We remember Ka Bel for his simplicity and humility. His life and
person embodied the activist principle: simpleng pamumuhay, puspusang
pakikibaka. While being a Congressman, he rejected the corrupt
practices in government and exposed the rottenness of traditional
politics. Unlike the Arroyo's, their minions and yellow trade union
leaders, Ka Bel never used position for personal ends, and always
represented the voice of the working class and the poor.

There is no reason for the enemies of the people to celebrate with the
passing away of Ka Bel, as he left the Filipino people an example of
genuine leadership, activism and struggle in the face of exploitation
and state terror. Ka Bel showed the people that it was possible to
attain victories in the struggle if the Filipino people unites in the
assertion of their rights.

Ka Bel taught us that another society, a society free from
exploitation, free from abuse, is possible, and that the struggle for
which is the path that the Filipino people must take.

Ka Bel's heroism will serve as inspiration to the Filipino youth and
students to continue and intensify the struggle against the fascist
and anti-people Arroyo regime. We will make sure that his relentless
fighting spirit will continue haunt this government through bigger
mass protests.

We are calling on LFS members, students and young people nationwide to
hold protest actions, tribute meetings and to prepare for student
walk-outs in the first days of school. We must continue the heroism of
Ka Bel and intensify the national democratic struggle.

Ipagpatuloy ang kabayanihan ni Ka Bel!
Mabuhay ang Pambansa-Demokratikong Pakikibaka!
--
Visit the NEW LFS WEBSITE: http://www.lfs.ph

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Funny side of Ka Bel: a Video by A&K

Farmers offer victory over Ayalas to GARB author Beltran

Twenty three years after, in June of 1988, the high tribunal issued a writ of execution for the enforcement of its 1965 decision.

A petition to quash the writ was filed by the Ayalas a month after the Supreme Court issued the writ, but 11 years after, the Supreme Court denied the petition with finality.

“Secretary Atienza and the DENR must en