NR0331:National ID via Executive order

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 31, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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GMA abusing powers, trying to impose a national ID system via
an executive order - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today expressed strong alarm over reports that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo might issue an executive order clearing the way for a national ID system by early next week. This if she approves the recommendations submitted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on the proposal. The report is said to contain recommendations to utilize the data already available to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Social Security System (SSS) and the National Statistics Office (NSO).

"Since the president and her advisers are well aware that they will not be able to impose a national ID system via legislation without meeting the strongest wall of opposition fro human rights groups and civil libertarians, they're resorting to executive abuse. President Arroyo is abusing her executive powers and authority by releasing one executive order by another, totally bypassing the authority of the Senate and Congress. By ordering the creation and implementation of a national ID system via an executive order, she is circumventing the limits of her office, bypassing Congress, and attacking civil rights all in one move," he said.

The veteran labor leader said that President Arroyo has so far released over 50 executive orders in the last year alone. "She has taken to creating and abolishing departments and agencies via executive orders, and now here she is ordering the creation of what is well-acknowledged as a potentially vicious weapon against civil liberties and democratic rights with yet another executive order," he said.

"It's long overdue that this alarming development of the president releasing one EO after the after without the benefit of prior public scrutiny and consultation be investigated. If she succeeds in imposing the national ID system through an EO, there's no telling what else she can order with a similar EO. She and her infamous circle of national security and so-called anti-terrorism advisers could well out together an EO on anti-terrorism no different from the anti-terror bills being cooked by her allies in Congress. This bids ill for what little there is remaining for the democratic processes in the country,' he said.

Deteriorating popularity

In the meantime, the veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that results and conclusions of t he latest Pulse Asia survey revealing that Pres. Arroyo's approval ratings have hit the lowest mark since 2001 will most likely prod the administration to take drastic political and propaganda measures. "For sure, Pres. Arroyo will embark on yet another grand tour of the country, shaking hands with the masses and kissing babies; distributing land titles and housing deeds. All these, however, will not be able to offset the disgust and antipathy the poor and working people have against her and her administration." Beltran said that the latest shenanigans of the First Gentleman in Las Vegas fuels the disenchantment of the public with the President. While the country sinks deeper and deeper into economic crisis, the president's own husband is living in the lap of luxury. It's no wonder that Pres. Arroyo's credibility as a fighter against corruption is down to zero."

"The string of activist killings, the corruption scandals, the one-after-the-other railroading of new regressive tax measures as well as the increasing rates of electricity and prices of gas and petroleum are all points against the administration and Pres. Arroyo. It will take no minor miracle for her to be able to recover from this latest slump in her popularity," he said. "If she wants to stop the continuing deterioration of her approval ratings, Pres. Arroyo should drop the new tax measures; but even that will not be sufficient to cushion the negative opinion of most Filipinos." #

NR0330: 3-day fast against activist killings

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 30, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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3-day fast against political repression and activist killings; VAT contributes to intensifying political and economic turbulence in the country

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today joined his colleague fellow Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano in a 3-day fast against intensifying political repression and mass killing of activists and members of progressive party-lists. Imbibing only water and eating thin biscuits, Beltran, Mariano and other leaders of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP),Pamalakaya, Amihan and other peasant organizations allied with Anakpawis established camp in front of the Commonwealth gate of the House of Representatives.

Beltran said that that Anakpawis party-list and its allied people's organizations are demanding justice for the victims of the Hacienda Luisita Massacre, and the victims of the military's assassination operations that took the lives of 19 leaders and members of Anakpawis. He also demanded justice for the members of Bayan Muna.

"Speaker Jose de Venecia and the leaders of t he 13th Congress should sit up and take notice of the worsening political repression in the country. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is running amok, liquidating civilians left and right, but the national government is doing nothing about it. We urge the good Speaker to use his influence with President Arroyo and ask her to speak out against the killings and reign in the butchers of the AFP and the paramilitary forces," he said.

He is set to deliver a privileged speech this afternoon as the House begins its special session, urging fellow solons to support the fast as well as other moves and activities pushing for the end of activist killings and indemnification for the victims' families.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that the of the value-added tax and other tax measures the administration is pushing are at the core of the heightening political turbulence and economic chaos in the country. "The killings are obviously being used to create a climate of fear and discourage the growing protests against the administration and its anti-poor, anti-people economic policies," he said.

"There w ill be greater social unrest with the passage of the VAT. These new tax measures on top of the oil price hikes, the increases in electricity and water rates as well as growing unemployment and depreciating value of already low wages push more and more Filipinos to rebel against the government in various forms. At the same time, the space for democratic debate and genuine people's representation in the various arenas of social reform continues to narrow. These also contribute to the establishment of a increasingly fascist governance against the Filipino people," he said.

Beltran said that civil and human rights advocates should be appalled at the continuing reports of military abuses.He said the Arroyo administration's overall record makes the Philippines one of the most violent countries and a death-trap for activist and advocates of pro-people reform. "As long as the Malacananang and the AFP continues to flout human rights and blatantly disregard the political rights of the Filipino people, the government's declarations regarding the promotion of democracy and human rights will be greeted with cynicism and even outrage," he said.#

NR0330: GSIS cancels housing contracts

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 30, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Hundreds of thousands of GSIS members being evicted from their homes as GSIS cancels en masse Deeds of Conditional Sales beginning March 31- Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that hundreds of thousands of government employees including public school teachers, non-academic staff and hospital staff will be rendered homeless in the coming months as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) led by its president and General manager Winston Garcia steps up the implementation of Board resolution No. 48 approving the policy and implementing guidelines of cancelled Deeds of Conditional Sales (DCS).

The GSIS is currently conducting a NATIONWIDE inventory and physical assessment of all cancelled housing loan accounts covered by a DCS. Houses in private subdivisions that have tie-ups with the GSI and its housing program are being spray-painted in green and red paint with the words "Foreclosed" and "Contract Cancelled."

"The GSIS is on the rampage collecting the arrearages on cancelled housing loans covered by DCS -- even as I speak, the GSIS is serving notices of cancellation to thousands of GSIS members who have been hoodwinked into availing of the GSIS' chaotic housing loan program," he said.

800 teachers in danger of losing their homes, pensions

Beltran stated as a case in point the brewing revolt in the teachers' community in Tarlac. Around 800 to 900 residents of Teresa Homes, Tibag, Tarlac City in the province of Tarlac are protesting against what they term as the inhumane, unjust and anomalous changes in the GSIS housing program policy. The residents are comprised mostly of teachers from the Villa Aglibay Central Elementary School and the Tarlac National High School, as well as employees of various government agencies in the region.

A low-cost housing project of the GSIS in Brgy. Tibag, Tarlac City has been put in 1997 supposedly to serve the housing needs of the government employees in the area. The Teresa Homes Housing Project was a joint project of the JQG Homes Development Corp., a private business owned by Jose Q. De Guzman and the GSIS in 1997. It was projected to be a housing project which was included in the Low-Cost Housing Program of the GSIS, to help it members avail of the government's program for mass housing.

The housing units were classified as 1. Single Attached (costing P279,000.00 with a monthly amortization of P4,100.00); 2. Single Detached (costing P402,000.000 with a monthly amortization of P6,100,00); 3. Duplex (costing P184,200 with a monthly amortization of P2,210.71. 00) all payable in 15 and/or 25 years.

"There are documents to prove that the he obligations of the residents when they signed the agreements for the housing units amounted to only P300,000 in 1997; now, eight years later, because of infamous changes in the policies of the GSIS geared towards profiteering, their outstanding balances are greater than the original obligations. The residents were appalled and shocked that their debts to the GSIS which are being paid for in the form of salary deductions and deductions from their respective pensions have increased exponentially," he said.

Beltran said that many of the residents are of retirement age or nearing retirement and it's their fear that because of the unexplained increase in their dues to the GSIS they will lose not only their homes, but their pensions as well.

"Residents are now afraid that they will be ejected from their houses by the GSIS due to whopping outstanding balances of almost P1 million pesos which only include interests and penalties and with arrearages not less than hundreds of thousands. The bills for their housing units continue to increase and do not seem to decrease. Teresa residents are being threatened by the agents of the GSIS that they will be ejected from their houses and the houses foreclosed due to the same reasons: outstanding balances amounting to more than half a million as the lowest amount, and more than a million as the highest.
These figures include penalties and interests and arrears of more than hundreds of thousands," he said. "Even if they avail of early retirement or apply for new loans, these will not be enough to offset their obligations but only worsen their indebtedness."

The activist solon said denounced the GSIS' policy of mass cancellation of housing loans and DCSs. "GSIS members have not been informed of the changes in policies and the increases in the arrearages. They have caught by terrible surprise-- finding out that they owe almost a million to the GSIS when they only signed contract for a house that costs P400,000," he said.

Beltran renewed his attack on Garcia saying that the latter on November 4, 2003, applied for a housing loan amounting to PhP12 million under the GSIS-Bahay ko Program. Two days later, the amount of PhP11 million was approved. The housing loan was for the purpose of financing the purchase of a house and lot located at Lot 28, Block 1, Juan Luna Street, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City;

"It takes ordinary GSIS members at least one week before they could avail of loans far lower than the amount applied for by Garcia. In the case of Garcia, his PhP11 million loan was released in just two days, thus refuting his statement that he was "treated like an ordinary GSIS member."

Another document shows that on June 2003, Garcia filed a loan worth PhP2,141,874.00 with a monthly amortization of PhP56,414.07 . However, the same document reveals that for three months, Garcia is paying only the amount of P43,123.06 per month. Out of the P169,242.21 supposed partial payment for the first three months, Garcia has paid only P129,369.18."

GSIS Painting Competition

In the meantime, Beltran slammed Garcia's latest publicity gimmick to cover up his tracks and clean the tarnished image of the GSIS. Garcia has spearheaded the GSIS second Painting Competition which offers P1.5 million in prizes.

The theme of the competition is "Pista sa Pasinaya, celebrating the Filipino," supposedly to portray the country's "rich cultural heritage." Garcia has been quoted as saying that the competition "is meant to capture the spirit of the Philippines' diverse expressions of memorializing achievement, religion, harvest , prosperity, marriage, friendship and peace settlement."

"Garcia is projecting himself as a patron of the arts, but he is using government employees' hard-earned funds. Again, why is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo keeping Garcia? There are already a million and one reasons why he should be sacked. His transgressions and abuses are countless, yet he remains a Malacanang favorite. Pres.Arroyo has not done a single thing to correct Garcia. T his strengthens allegations that her administration is dependent on Garcia and his skills of corruption." He said.#

NR0329:NLEX employees unjustly laid off

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 29, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Apart from imposing highway-robbery toll fee rates,
NLEX management guilty of unfair labor practices

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today renewed his criticism against the Lopez business group, saying that the business group was guilty not only of robbing the Filipino people blind through imposing anomalous and exorbitant electricity rates via its company Meralco and by levying high toll fees on motorists passing through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), "It's also guilty of unjust labor practices, and it has no qualms against attacking employee rights. On the merest, unfounded suspicion that employees intent to form a union, the management sacked the employees."

Beltran made this accusation in the wake of complaints of over a dozen employees the NLEX' Tollways Management Corporation that they were illegally and unjustly terminated. "The TMC and the Lopez group are already guilty of imposing exorbitant toll fees that give commuters and motorists gargantuan headaches and heavier economic problems. Now, it's become evident that the employees of the NLEX are also under the heavy strain of working for a company that has no respect for labor rights," he said.

From March to April 2004, the TNC, the company presently in charge of the management of the NLEX posted advertisements indicating their need for patrol crews to be deployed in the NLEX. From more than one thousand applicants, only one hundred sixty five (165) were accepted. The applicants signed their individual training of agreements between July to September 2004.

They attended several trainings and seminars conducted by Tamaraw Training Center, Quezon City and Camp Crame. Upon completion of and passing the training course, the trainees signed a six month probationary period on October 20, 2004. Together with other newly hired employees of the TMC, a company briefing was held five days later wherein the TMC management gave the company orientation.

Due to the failure of the TMC to takeover the North Luzon Expressway from the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), the patrol crew were not deployed to NLEX but made to report daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at either the TMC office at Benpres building in Ortigas or at a district office in Sta. Rita, Bulacan. However, they were dispatched sometimes at the NLEX area so they can familiarize themselves with its operations. TMC employees, particularly patrol crews, were also utilized in the ABS-CBN's relief operations for the typhoon victims in the Southern Luzon Region.

On Nov. 26, 2004, TMC as represented by Mr. Denn Charly G. Española, Manager, Traffic Management and Safety, summoned Mr. Ramon Paloma, Superintendent, Traffic and Motorist Assistance and bluntly informed him that he would not be regularized. Mr. Española then asked Mr. Paloma to file his resignation because of his alleged failure to meet the performance standards of the TMC.

On November 30, 2004, TMC issued a letter terminating Mr. Ramon Paloma. The letter was issued by Mr. Española and noted by Mr. Nicolas G. Manalo, Vice President for Operation of TMC.The following Dec. 7, 13 other employees were also summoned by the TMC manager for traffic management and safety at the TMC office in Benpres Building and informed them one by one that they would not be regularized and asked them to resign due to alleged failure to meet the company's performance standards - the same reason for terminating Mr. Paloma.

The patrol crews did not file their resignation and on December 13, 2004, the TMC issued the notice of termination to the thirteen (13) patrol crews of TMC. The patrol crews received the letter, but protested against the dismissal, saying that they were illegally terminated, and that they belong to the top 106 in their training evaluation. In fact, one of them ranked fourth during the training. There was not a single event in the period of employment of the illegally terminated patrol crews nor the superintendent were they informed about the standards and merit evaluation system created by the TMC. The TMC started managing the North Luzon Expressway only last February 2005, hence, actual performance of duty of TMC employees started only on the same date TMC started to manage NLEX.

"Such basis of evaluation base on the performance, if there is any, prior to the take over is baseless and is not reflective of the true performance of the illegally terminated employees. The termination of the 13 employees and superintendent of the TMC is patently illegal and unjust," he said.#

NR0329: US interested in issue of activist killings

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 29, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

US taking a grim interest in the killings of civilians and activists; liquidation efforts directly linked to Hacienda Luisita and tax measures - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were stepping up their infamous campaign of liquidating activists and members of progressive political parties such as Anakpawis, Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women's Party (GWP) with the help of the United States government and its agents in the country. Beltran made this revelation in the midst of reports that the US embassy has taken a keen interest on the number of political activists being killed, as well as monitoring the developments in the passage of the anti-terror bill and the national ID system. He said that the liquidation operations are already being extended to the National capital Region (NCR).

In the first quarter of 2005 alone, 18 activists have been brutally killed and six (6) became victims of involuntary disappearances. In the last two weeks, human rights organizations based in the NCR have reported that their members are being stalked and their actions monitored. Beltran said that his own chief of staff has had the same harrowing experience last week.

"There are reports that the killings of civilians and activists in the regions and provinces are being viewed by US operatives as an effective way of sowing fear among Filipinos who are critical of the Macapagal-Arroyo government's latest slew of anti-people legislation and economic programs," he said. "To kill or at the least weaken the protests against the value-added tax bill and the other tax measures, as well as against the administration's corrupt dealings with foreign creditors and investors, US intelligence operatives are advising their Filipino counterparts to step up the campaign of terror against activist groups and progressive party-lists," he said, adding that the reports come from verified sources within the administration and its security agencies themselves.

The veteran labor leader said that the latest spate of killings of members of Anakpawis and its sister party Bayan Muna are directly connected to two issues: the Hacienda Luisita Massacre and the government new tax measures. He said that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration's henchmen were determined to quell the protests against both and is resorting to the most Machiavellian of tactics. "US operatives are reportedly saying "what's a few lives more or less?" to justify the killings and the implementation of a terror campaign similar to t he low-intensity conflict (LIC) strategy implemented during the Corazon Aquino admistration wherein hundreds fell victim to t he harassment and even killing spree of the AFP, t he CAFGU, and their fronts including vigilante and anti-communist groups.

Beltran is set to join his colleague fellow Anakpawis Representative Rafael Mariano in holding a hunger strike beginning tomorrow, March 30, 2005 as Congress begins its special session on the VAT bill. They will be joined by leaders of the peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), the fishers group Pamalakaya and the National Federation of Peasant Women - Amihan.#

NR0328:DoE signs more contracts for oil exploration

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 28, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Rep. Beltran decries Energy Department's tact to sign more contracts with foreign investors for oil drilling and explorations

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that there is certain to be increased militarization in the provinces and the operations will be directed against civilians and their communities given recent reports that the Department of Energy is set to sign seven more service contracts for oil and gas exploration this year.

According to Energy Secretary Guillermo Balce, the DoE has already signed eight service contracts since the Supreme Court ruled that the Mining Law is constitutional. Oil and gas explorations in Mindoro are set to begin, while early this month, the DoE signed contract withs Phil-Mal (RP and Malaysia) Petroenergy Corp for oil and gas exploration in Southern Cebu and the AustralAsian consortium of Ottoman Energy Ltd; AustralianAsian Energy Ltd and RGA Resources in the Northwest Palawan.

"Residents and communities are already up in arms against the mining corporations, and thousands are being displaced because of these operations. These contracts signed and up for signing by the DoE will ensure that there will be greater dislocation of civilians from their homes," he said. "The military, as usual, will be among the main implementers of the contracts - the DoE, the local government units and the national government will be sanctioning the deployment of AFP troops to areas where there will be oil drilling and explorations. Violations of civil and human rights will be inevitable," he said.

"It's insane the way the government says it is helpless in keeping oil prices low, but at the same time allows foreign investors to gain access and control over oil and mineral deposits in the country."

Beltran said that the Supreme Court itself violated the Constitution when it declared the Mining Act c onstitutional. He cited Article II, Section 19 of the Constitution which state sthat rovides that "The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos;" and Article XII, Section 2 of the Constitution mandates that "The exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State."

"But here we are, witnessing the entry of foreign investors in the oil and mining industries and they're calling the shots regarding the country's resources. The energy industry is a vital part of the Philippine economy, and its control is a matter of national security and survival. Given the oil crisis in the country, all oil resources should be centralized and controlled by the Philippine government, and then sold for public consumption at low prices - not taken over by foreign corprations," he said.

Beltran said that the continued exploration of the country's oil and gas reserves with an objective of giving priority to foreign private investors foster a Philippine economy hostage to foreign interests. "The foreign consortia's continued drilling operations and oil exploration commit the Philippines to an irreversible move away from effective Filipino control of the national economy, in violation of Article II, Section 19 and rendering it a useless exhortation incapable of realization," he said.

"These drilling and explorations endanger the country's remaining and untapped oil and gas reserves which will be at the mercy of foreign private corporations that will extract the greatest amount of profits instead of alleviating the national economy and lessen the effects of the continued price increases of petroleum products," he said.#

NR0328:UP 11's paper on VAT

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 28, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Solon calls UP School of Economics paper "apologist" in nature; says Congressional special session shows twisted political will

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the 11 professors of the University of the Philippines School of Economics who said that the passage of the value-added tax bill was crucial to saving the economy were analyzing the issue using a microscope - "They're definitely not seeing the whole picture. It's a very myopic way of analyzing the VAT bill, the economic crisis, and the impact of both on the livelihood and welfare of the Filipino people," he said.

Beltran said that the UP School of Economics is living up to its reputation of being a defender of government policies that strike at the core of the poor's general interest. "The national government can always depend on the UPSE to support measures that will prop up big business, regardless of the violent impact on the rest of the working population," he said. "This study released by the 11 professors are a testimony to the lies being peddled by the administration regarding the crisis and the tax measures: those who support it are the ones who will not be severely affected by the VAT as they have the ways and means to protect themselves economically. It's not surprising that the UPSE has come up with such a paper - the institution remains true to its orientation."

Beltran said that the UPSE's arguments and explanations justifying the passage of the VAT bill were apologist in nature. "It's clear that the 11 professors see and acknowledge the macroeconomic situation and how the VAT and other tax measures will prove disastrous for majority of Filipinos; but instead of exposing the VAT for what it really is - a regressive, anti-people tax measure imposed by the government's foreign creditors - the paper chooses to defend the VAT and recommend that the people be resigned to it as well," he said.

"Ordinary Filipinos with the slightest understanding of taxes are not fooled into believing that the country's economic woes will be solved with the passage of a higher VAT rate, nor to pass other tax laws in lieu of increasing the VAT. In reality, all these taxes are just passed on eventually to the end-consumers. The 11 UP SE professors should have written a paper that exposes the scam behind all these forms of taxes and how VAT, as well as other taxes, end up in the accounts of corporations and manufacturers."

Finally, The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's call for special congressional sessions to finalize the VAT belies that accusations that the administration has no political will.

"The Arroyo government has strong political will -- but it's directed towards the passage and implementation of measures and programs that go against the will of the Filipino people. Congress is being convened in a special session to finalize a bill that will bring added burdens for the poor and the working people; this is an outrage because it can't even give a day to begin deliberations on the P125 across-the-board wage hike bill which already passed 1st reading last August," he said. #

NR0321: Anomalies in RP embassy in Jordan

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 21, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Solon demands suspension of RP embassy officials in Jordan; cries out against anomalies in management of OFW repatriation fund

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today sounded the alarm for at least fifty (50) Filipina overseas workers, including two pregnant women and a rape victim, who ran away from abusive Jordanian employers and were stranded at the Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan. They have been requesting for immediate repatriation assistance from the said embassy. He also called on Congress to investigate officials of the Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan, including the highly questionable practice of returning Filipina domestic workers to abusive employers and recruitment agencies.

Beltran said that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated in a press release dated March 1, 2005, that Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Ruperto M. Dizon is said to have met with Jordan's Border and Residency Directorate-General Mohammed Khalef Al-Jariri on the concerns of OFWs in the said country last February 2005. The dialogue supposedly focused on the processing of residency and work permits, the reporting and facilitation of speedy resolution of OFW cases in Jordan.

"Nothing, however, was mentioned regarding the plight of the 50 runaway and stranded OFWs at the Philippine Embassy in Jordan. It was if the stranded Filipinos were of no consequence," he said.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that that abused OFWs who were repatriated by the DFA from Jordan after the intervention of MIGRANTE International point to officials of the Philippine embassy, namely Ambassador Dizon, Consul Aric Arevalo, Embassy Administrative Officer Atty. Edmundo Venturanza and Welfare Officer Evelyn Lanarang as the culprits behind the infamous and inhumane practice of returning distressed OFWs to their respective recruitment agencies in Jordan if they cannot pay for their deployment and repatriation expenses. "These officials should be investigated; but prior to the investigations, they should also be suspended from duty," he said.

"At least two of the said OFWs were forced to return to their respective abusive recruitment agencies on March 20 and 24, 2005. It 's appalling that the Philippine embassy and the DFA, despite the existence of a P100 million Assistance to Nationals (ATN) fund that covers repatriation of distressed OFWs, continue to refuse the distressed Filipino workers' appeals for repatriation. It even continues to pass on the responsibility of repatriation to the distressed families of the abused OFWs by asking them to shoulder thousands of dollars in payment for the said expenses including penalties for overstaying," he said.

"The plight of the abused OFWs in the Philippine embassy in Jordan will get worse with the continued negligence of Philippine officials in the Philippine embassy, DFA and POEA;
There is also basis to say that the POEA has administrative and criminal liability for the continued sending of domestic workers to Jordan despite the government's deployment ban on domestic and unskilled workers to Jordan from 1990 to 2005," he said.

He demanded that the Department of Foreign Affairs to submit a full report on how the P100 million Assistance to Nationals (ATN) fund has been disbursed through the years to determine if it has been actually used for the purpose of assisting our distressed compatriots abroad.

Beltran decried the these actions of officials at the embassy and the DFA, saying that they are in violation of Section 27 of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 8042) that mandates the Priority Concerns of Philippine Foreign Service Posts. Section 58 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 8042 mandates that in all cases where the workers are in need and without means, the OWWA personnel at job site, in coordination with the DFA, shall cause the repatriation of the distressed workers.In 1990, the Philippine government, through Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Memorandum Circular Nos. 29 and 33, series of 1990, banned the deployment of domestic workers to Jordan following reports of unabated maltreatment and exploitation of our nationals;

POEA records show that 3,600 Filipinos worked in Jordan from 1990 to 1995 and 2,928 from 1996 to 2000; indicating that the POEA still deployed domestic workers to the said country despite the ban. To date, according to DFA stock data on OFWs, majority (about 7,000) of the 12,343 Filipinos in Jordan are either irregular or undocumented domestic workers. These include the 50 runaway domestic workers in the embassy in Jordan. The continued deployment of the POEA despite the ban that was recently lifted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) contributed to the continued rise of abused OFW cases in Jordan;

NR0320:GMA doing a Pontius Pilate

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 20, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Pres. Arroyo doing a Pontius Pilate and washing hands of her responsibility as AFP commander in chief for activist killings

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that if there's anyone who should go on an extensive retreat and flagellate themselves for their sins, it should be the killers of the 15 civilians and political activists killed in the last three months, "And these killers are in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and their death squads," he said. "Maybe while the AFP and the members of the Philippine National Police are making the rounds of Churches checking for bombs, they might also try to seek absolution for the capital offenses their respective leaders and fellow police and soldiers perpetuate against the Filipino people," he said.

Beltran said that the alarming increase in the numbers of state-masterminded disappearances, assassinations, massacres, the brutal suppression of mass actions as in Hacienda Luisita and other acts of terror the Arroyo government is an unmistakable sign that the administration is desperate to stem the rising tide of mass discontent and organized protests against the worsening living conditions and economic situation in the country. "Using the excuse that it is waging a war against terror, the administration is actually attacking the democratic and legal mass movement in the country,: he concluded.

The activist lawmaker said that as commander in chief of the AFP, Pres. Arroyo should take responsibility,This murderous regime must be held responsible for the killing of Councilor Abelardo Ladera on March 3, the disappearance of Danilo Macapagal, Bayan Muna Coordinator, also on March 3, the threat of assassination of Atty. Romeo T. Capulong, Senior Legal Consultant of the NDFP, on March 7, the killing of Romeo Sanchez, Bayan Muna Coordinator, on March 9, the murder of Fr. William Tadena, a firm supporter of the Hacienda Luisita striking workers, on March 13, the summary execution of Atty. Felidito Dacut, Bayan Muna Coordinator and Member of the Board of Directors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines on March 16 and the killing of Victor Concepcion, 68, Secretary General of the peasant association in Pampanga province on March 17 as well as the other political killings in the recent months.

Beltran said that it was the height of hypocrisy on the part of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration and its armed forces that they were supposedly beefing up security this Lenten season as a precaution against the attacks of the Abu Sayyaf, "But on the other hand the administration is doing nothing to stop the killing spree of the AFP against civilians, activists and journalists," he said. "Nothing is being done to stop these killings and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Neither President Arroyo nor her usually voluble spokesperson Ignacio Bunye has said or done anything regarding this matter. Are we take this as a sign of their approval for the cold-blood murder of civilians and activists in the country?

The veteran labor leader said that the plain and simple truth was that the AFP's victims were ordinary Filipinos who were active in speaking out against the national government's transgressions against the people. "They were killed because of their political convictions and their stand against the government's economic policies and programs that destroy livelihoods and attack the country's sovereignty.

"The AFP is an even bigger scourge than the Abu Sayyaf -- they're both mercenary forces wreaking havoc on the life on the civilian populace; but the AFP is worse because it continues to kill and no one is able to stop them. The masterminds behind the recent killings are imbedded in the AFP top brass and they also have immediate access to Malacanang. Otherwise, they would not be so bold as to order this systematic and calculated series of murders, many other them committed in broad daylight and in the presence of witnesses."

The veteran labor leader said that this Lenten season, ordinary Filipinos should not be castigating themselves -- "The Filipino people should be the ones demanding that the Macapagal-Arroyo government repent for its countless sins. This unrepentant government continues to turn a deaf ear to the calls of consumers against oil price hikes and escalating prices of commodities and rates of electricity and water services. More than being Pontius Pilate, Pres. Macapagal is the captain of the centurions who stabs the side of Filipinos until they gush blood," he said. #

NR0319:Solons leave for Manny Pacquiao match

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 19, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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While wishing Champ Manny Pacquiao well, Rep. Beltran expresses dismay over exodus of solons to watch match in Las Vegas

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran, an big boxing fan, today expressed dismay over reports that almost 50 members of the House of Representatives have flown to Las Vegas yesterday to watch Manny Pacquiao's boxing match against World Boxing Council Super Featherweight Eric Morales tomorrow, Philippine time.

"Considering that there are so many urgent and critical issues affecting the nation right now, it's a disappointment that many solon still have the time to leave the country just to watch a boxing match," he said. "It becomes even more difficult to take the Macapagal-Arroyo administration's call for belt-tightening and austerity measures even seriously. The still unnamed solons who have flown to Las Vegas to watch t he match are not being exemplary poster boys for the government's campaign against superfluous spending. They could have sent their well-wishes for Manny via text, fax, or email. If I had a way, this is what I would've done."

The veteran labor leader said that he saw no need for his fellow solons to leave the country for the match. "The coverage will be just as good on television," he said. "It's not really an excuse that they're using their own money to fund the trip - they're still elected officials and given the economic crisis, they could've used the money for the airfare and the hotel accommodations for their respective constituencies - thousands of schoolchildren are graduating this March, for instance. Their parents could well use the money for graduation and to prepare for the coming school year."

Not to be a spoilsport, however, Beltran said that he unites with the rest of the Filipino people in cheering Manny Pacquiao on. "I truly hope that Manny wins the match." he said. He said that he himself will be glued to the television screen tomorrow.#

NR0319:Regional press under fire for covering leftist groups

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 19, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Military taking "Take no prisoners" attitude when it
comes to attacking progressive party-lists; provincial media warned against covering activities of militant groups - Rep. Beltran

In the light of the rcent killings of activists and members of progressive party-lists, Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today led the opening of Anakpawis first' National Council(NC) meeting for the year in Quezon City, where some 50 of Anakpawis' national leaders representing Anakpawis provincial and regional chapters are attending. As of last count, three Anakpawis members have been killed in the last week, the last being Victor "Tata Ben" Concepcion, 66, Anakpawis municipal coordinator in Pampanga.

"This is already an emergency situation for Anakpawis and its sister political parties, namely Bayan Muna and Gabriela W omen's Party. There are reports pouring in from all over the country regarding the campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to track down and liquidate not only provincial and regional coordinators and party officials, but even rank and file members of the party," he said. "The military appears to be adopting a "take no prisoners" attitude when it comes to attacking Anakpawis and sister parties - they mean business, and it 's loaded guns that are conducting the work for them."

Anakpawis has 400,000 card-carrying members all over the country and, Beltran said, it's not an exaggeration to say that all these members are potential targets of the AFP's liquidation campaign. "Already, our regional and provincial coordinators are receiving death threats, and our various headquarters are the subject of stake-outs of the military," he said.

The veteran labor leader said that in the provinces, it's much easier to pinpoint the military. "They have detachments and precincts everywhere. The AFP have established more detachments than the Philippine National Police (PNP), and in many areas, they have even seized control and jurisdiction away from the PNP when it comes to civilian and public security," he said.

Beltran also said that there were also reports coming in that regional and provincial radio stations and local newspapers were being pressured by the AFP to stop interviewing members of militant groups, including the party-lists. "This, I assume, on pain of death for the journalists who dare to stand up to the gag order the military is imposing," he said. "The media coverage of the protest rallies and political stands being issued by the progressive groups is slowly being throttled, and journalists are being warned against getting the side of the militants when it comes to crucial economic and political issues of the day such as the value added tax, the oil price hikes, and the continuous Balikatan exercises," he said.#

NR0318:Coordinated plans of the AFP, Abu Sayyaf

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 18, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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AFP and Abu Sayyaf's plans seem to be well-coordinated; crackdown against more Muslim and urban poor communities looming - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) seem to be very privy to the plans and operations of the Abu Sayyaf, "This is what makes me incredulous as to why the military and police have not been able to capture and defeat the Abu Sayyaf. They all seem to know each other quite well - they're privy to each other's plans and operations. One could even say that their plans are very well coordinated. What are they keeping from the public? They seem to know everything already --- even where the ASG will strike and when," he said.

The veteran lawmaker said that investigations should continue into the alleged tie-ups between the ASG and the AFP - including the rub out of the three ASG leader Commanders Global, Kosovo and Robot earlier this week in the overkill military operations that took 22 lives.

Beltran said that now, more than ever, the public should maintain strong vigilance against the movements and operations of the military, even regarding its supposed plans against the threat of the Abu Sayyaf.

"There are firm basis to argue that the military with the blessing of the Macapagal-Arroyo leadership is using the Abu Sayyaf to justify the imposition of more authoritarian measures, and to increase the powers of the military over the civilian population. All over Mindanao, the AFP have been arresting Muslim civilians on the merest suspicion of being ASG supporters or members, and all these civilians have been denied due process. Only the Muslim rights advocacy groups and human rights organizations are advocating for the release of these prisoners, and it's a massive blow against civil rights and liberties that so many of our Muslim brothers remain behind bars on unjust and illegal grounds," he said.

Beltran expressed certainty that with these latest announcement that the ASG is bent on wreaking terror this coming Holy Week, the military will implement more crackdown operations on various Muslim and urban poor communities all over the Metropolis, and even in the regions where there are Muslim residents.

"The Macapagal-Arroyo administration should be denounced for these attacks against Islam and the Muslim people. To justify the imposition of the US-dictated anti-terrorism measures such as the anti-terror bill and the national ID syste, as well as the suspension of other legal rights s protecting individuals' right to due process, the government and the AFP are fomenting discord between Muslims and Christians. Whatever strength or influence the ASG has is largely due to the barely secret support being given by the corrupt and ruthless elements in the AFP and the Malacanang cabinet. These, of course, include DILG secretary Angelo Reyes and national security adviser Norberto Gonzales," he said.#

NR0317:Angelo Reyes heaves a sigh of relief

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 17, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Killing of Abu Sayyaf ringleaders convenient for Angelo Reyes,
other corrupt officials of the AFP, DND - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran said that the the the Philippine National Police's (PNP) use of excessive force in settling the crisis the Camp Bagong Diwa prison complex in Bicutan, Taguig that resulted in the death of 22 inmates can never be justified. He said that wat the PNP did was cold-blooded murder of civilians. "It betrays a complete disregard for human life. Majority of those killed were only suspected of being Abu Sayyaf and were never proven guilty by any court of law. The PNP's exaggerated operations against a small group of prisoners with only three short firearms be such a threat should be condemned by all human rights advocates."

Beltran said that the murders of the three Abu Sayyaf leaders Commander Global, Robot and Kosovo was very convenient for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly for former National Defense secretary and now Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes who have not been able to kill allegations of having made dealinsg with the ASG to divide ransom money for the ASG's former captives.

"The PNP operations have all the trappings of a rubout. Up to now, the AFP have not been able to shake off accusations that its leaders have been in cahoots with the ASG in their criminal activities. With the killing of Alhamzer Limbong, Ghalib Andang and Nadzmie Saabdullah, the government has eliminated elements knowledgeable about the AFP-Abu Sayyaf conspiracy and who could have blown the whistle to expose those in the AFP and the DND benefited from the blood money from the ASG's victims.

"It's highly questionable that the officials of PNP, AFP insisted on squashing the crisis using brutal force. The content of the negotiations and the developments were kept so tightly under wraps and clouded with so much mystery and secrecy that it's hard to determine what really took place. For all we know, the ASG leaders were already pleading for their lives, not to mention the other prisoners who were held hostage during the siege," he said.

"In the wake of this brutality, it's nauseating to witness the officials of the PNP being commended and proclaimed as heroes. They have even resorted to calling all the inmates as ASG to justify the massacre. It is the families of the killed inmates who continue to assert the innocence of their loved ones are the ones who deserve the public's sympathy."

Beltran said that majority of those detained at the complex were men who were merely rounded up by the military and police during saturation drives in Moro communities in Basilan, Metro Manila and various provinces in Mindanao. "Most of those detained in the various prisons as ASG as actually innocent civilians denied due process and used as the AFP's scapegoats."#

NR0317: GMA's low-intensity conflict drive

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 17, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Macapagal-Arroyo administration implementing own version of low-intensify conflict strategy to terrorize progressive party-lists, people's groups - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration through its mercenary forces led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the CAFGU were killing civilians and activists at a daily rate. In the last three days, three Anakpawis members/coordinators and members of the Anakpawis-affiliated peasant organization Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) were killed in cold blood in Camarines Norte. The three civilians, one of them tricycle driver and active Anakpawis member Joel Reyes, was killed at 11:45 am yesterday in Panganiban Town, CamNor.

"The AFP upon orders of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration and its militarist advisers are stepping up their campaign of terror against civilians and members of progressive party-lists and legal democratic mass organizations openly critical of the government's anti-poor tax measures and subservience to US' supposed anti-terrorism campaign," he said. "This is no exaggeration -- every single one of Anakpawis' over 400,000 members nationwide are military targets, from the simplest card-carrying member, to the regional and provincial coordinators, to national executive council leaders."

"The Arroyo administration purports to be fighting against terrorism, but in truth it is at the forefront of efforts to terrorize Anakpawis, Bayan Muna and other progressive groups into backing down. This campaign of terror of the AFP is no different from the low-intensity conflict strategy the government under former president Corazon C. Aquino implemented. Hundreds of activists and civilians also fell victim to the LIC, and human rights violations were rife," he added.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that Pres. Arroyo's silence on the killings reveals that she supports the one-after-the-other murder of civilians and activists.

"This government has completely exposed itself. The administration is now openly fascist as its main means of settling political disputes and sabotaging legal and democratic protests against the economic crisis. T here is no genuine or massive terrorist threat in the country. The greatest threat to the country barely-there democracy is the administration itself , and its blood-thirsty militarist arm. It's the spin doctors of the government itself who are projecting and exaggerating a scenario of the country being run over by terrorists to justify the killings of activists, even as the corrupt leaders and officials in the civilian and military bureaucracy continue their immoral theft," he said.

NR0317: GMA's low-intensity conflict drive

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 17, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Macapagal-Arroyo administration implementing own version of low-intensify conflict strategy to terrorize progressive party-lists, people's groups - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration through its mercenary forces led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the CAFGU were killing civilians and activists at a daily rate. In the last three days, three Anakpawis members/coordinators and members of the Anakpawis-affiliated peasant organization Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) were killed in cold blood in Camarines Norte. The three civilians, one of them tricycle driver and active Anakpawis member Joel Reyes, was killed at 11:45 am yesterday in Panganiban Town, CamNor.

"The AFP upon orders of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration and its militarist advisers are stepping up their campaign of terror against civilians and members of progressive party-lists and legal democratic mass organizations openly critical of the government's anti-poor tax measures and subservience to US' supposed anti-terrorism campaign," he said. "This is no exaggeration -- every single one of Anakpawis' over 400,000 members nationwide are military targets, from the simplest card-carrying member, to the regional and provincial coordinators, to national executive council leaders."

"The Arroyo administration purports to be fighting against terrorism, but in truth it is at the forefront of efforts to terrorize Anakpawis, Bayan Muna and other progressive groups into backing down. This campaign of terror of the AFP is no different from the low-intensity conflict strategy the government under former president Corazon C. Aquino implemented. Hundreds of activists and civilians also fell victim to the LIC, and human rights violations were rife," he added.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that Pres. Arroyo's silence on the killings reveals that she supports the one-after-the-other murder of civilians and activists.

"This government has completely exposed itself. The administration is now openly fascist as its main means of settling political disputes and sabotaging legal and democratic protests against the economic crisis. T here is no genuine or massive terrorist threat in the country. The greatest threat to the country barely-there democracy is the administration itself , and its blood-thirsty militarist arm. It's the spin doctors of the government itself who are projecting and exaggerating a scenario of the country being run over by terrorists to justify the killings of activists, even as the corrupt leaders and officials in the civilian and military bureaucracy continue their immoral theft," he said.

NR0316:Mass protests to continue despite killings

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 16, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Protests against OPHs, high electricity rates, taxes to continue and escalate despite attacks against members of progressive party-lists and people's organizations

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that despite the brutal attacks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the members of militant people's organizations and progressive party-lists, there will be no letting up on the protests against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her anti-people tax measures, as well her administration's overall betrayal of the poor and marginalized sectors' welfare via cutbacks for social services and indifference to the demands for wage and salary increases.

"Protests against the administration will continue and escalate. President Arroyo has burned her bridges with the people's organizations that were instrumental in ousting her predecessor ex-president Joseph Estrada and bringing her to power. Now, as she holds office on her first official term, she goes down in Philippine history as a yet another president who wields the steel sword against her constituents," he said.

Beltran said that Anakpawis and its sister political parties will not retreat and will continue to engage the national government regarding its anti-people policies and corrupt governance. He said that Anakpawis, Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women's Party were elected into office, and more importantly, widely supported by the common people who are the main victims of the administration's inutility in putting an end to the oil price hikes, increasing electricity costs, rising cost of living, landlessness and massive unemployment.

"The AFP and the other armed and mercenary forces will not be able to kill all activists, much less all of the Filipino people who rage against the government's programs and policies. All there more will be growing protests and outrage against the government because of these killings. The human rights record of the administration is drenched in the blood of civilians, and should be exposed also to the international community," he said.

"The AFP might succeed in killing our members and regional leaders, but they will never succeed in defeating what their victims lived and fought for. As it continues to kill unarmed civilians, the AFP all the more exposes itself and its members, leaders for what they really are: mercenary and cold-blooded killers in uniform," he said.

Beltran said that it was an outrage that mass-based legal organizations and progressive political party raise the awareness of the people, oppose massive militarization, expose violations like massacres, hamlettings, extrajudicial killings and forced evacuations, their members are killed in cold-blood, get disappeared or their offices raided, or they are branded as recruiters or organizers of the New People's Army (NPA).

"And now Congress, upon the behest of the President, is now earnestly rushing at least 7 various anti-terrorism bills, whose common features are patterned after the US model and conforming to the so-called US "global war on terror". And yet, there are already subsisting laws and court decisions that seriously endanger and even provide impunity for violations of the people's rights. Now, the government is pushing further with these bills that have overbroad definitions of terrorism that would criminalize even legitimate political activity. They invariably feature draconian measures including expanded authority to intercept almost all forms of communication and inquire into bank deposits and freeze them, even longer periods of detention without charges for arrests without warrant and the inclusion of terrorism as an extraditable offense," he said. #

NR0315:Vigilante groups front of the AFP

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 15, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Military using vigilante groups as front for the brutal killing of
unarmed civilians and activists - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the military and their cohorts in the local governments units are putting up vigilante groups as a means to cover their own brutal attacks against cause-oriented groups, progressive party-lists and their members. "It's a convenient way for the military to carry out their bloody agenda without taking the blame for it. But they're not fooling anyone. These recent killings of activists as well the previous deaths are all the handiwork of the military, and they're part of the national government's counter-insurgency and so-called 'anti-terrorism' campaign," he said.

"These despicable acts are the work of cowards. They're unable to go after the New People's Army (NPA) so they're killing unarmed civilians and tagging them as NPA members or supporters." he said.

Yesterday in Tarclac City, police in a report said that the March 3 murder of activist city councilor Abelardo Ladera was the doing of a vigilante group calling itself "Nagkakaisang mga Biktima ng Karahasan ng NPA (New People's Army), or NBKN. It was earlier this week when the shadowy NBKN claimed responsibility for the killing of Ladera, whom the group has accused of being a
supporter of the NPA, armed wing of the underground Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Authorities are also saying that Ladera's assailant was a "professional hitman," as witnesses have it that the gunman fired the shot from inside a Delica van that was parked some 20 meters away from where the councilor was standing. Only a single bullet hit Ladera in the left chest, which police described as a "double action" cal. 22.

Another anti-communist vigilante group is also said to be making the rounds and targeting civilians -- the "Kasama-Kayabe-Kadua" (the respective Tagalog, Pampango andIlocano translations of the English word "friend) or KKK.

According to Chief Insp. Florante Torres, head of the police provincial operations division, a copy of KKK's statement claiming responsibility to previous killings of activists and suspected NPA supporters elsewhere in Central Luzon was found near the auto spare parts shop where Ladera was slain.

"It's highly doubtful that these groups actually exist. If they really do, it is with the blessing and full funding of the military. During the Marcos dictatorship and eve up to the time of ex-president Corazon Aquino, the military used vigilante groups as fronts. The military is always behind the anti-communist hysteria and attacks against civilians they suspect to be activist," he said.

According to him, this has been the case with vigilante groups such as the Tadtad, Pulaans and Itumans in the Visayas and Mindanao, which killed and brutalized unarmed activists and suspected communist sympathizers.

"These anti-communist vigilante groups are on the pay-roll of the military. It's the military authorities who draft the plan of action for these groups, put together the hit lists and give the killers the weapons and other means to liquidate their civilian targets. Who creates the dossiers on activists and suspected communists but the military?"#

NR0314: Workers and family planning

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 14, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Family planning not workers' top priority as health demand: medical and dental services, observance of Occupational Health
and Safety (OSHS) standards are - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today expressed skepticism over the report released by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics that most workers demand family planning as part of their non-wage benefits in their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with managements. "It's more likely that workers demand general health and dental benefits in their CBA - most factories and corporations do not even have in-house doctors, nurses or dentists; and the level of work-related illnesses and diseases are high in factory belts in Valenzuela, Malabon and North Caloocan, as well as in the export processing zones in Cavite, Central Luzon and the rest of Southern Tagalog," he said.

Beltran said that there were estimates that only one in every 10,000 factories in the country with workforces numbering more than 100 have doctors or even just clinics. "When workers get ill, they often can't afford to go to the hospital. Most of them just take paracetamol tablets," he concluded.#

Beltran said that Patricia Sto. Tomas' report that workers are demanding family planning programs is exaggerated. "The truth is, workers are demanding high health benefits such sick leaves, vacation leaves, and the implementation of safety measures and installation of safety devices in the workplace. The DOLE keeps mostly mum on the violation of employers of occupational health and safety standards in the workplace. Workers in factories often have tuberculosis, asthma and other lung diseases because of poor ventilation, excessive heat, and long hours," he said.

The veteran labor leader turned activist lawmaker said that Sto. Tomas is trying to "suck up" (sip-sip) further to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as the president has declared full-support for the implementation of family planning methods.

"But even as workers would support a family planning campaign, what they deem more important and urgent is the implementation of thorough-going medical and dental programs in the workplace, and the observance of occupational health and safety standards," he said.

Official government statistics involving violations of Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) reflect a glaring inability to closely monitor such violations, much less strictly enforce OSHS and other related labor laws. There's even a DOLE report that out of the almost 500,000 business establishments in the country, only 26,350 have been inspected and 9,657 of these have been found to be seriously violating the general labor standards and occupational health and safety regulations. Based on government statistics, more than 4,000 workers are injured annually due to industrial accidents.

The Bureau of Working Conditions is the agency immediately responsible for monitoring violations of OSHS. The agency readily admits that one of the perennial problems in carrying out its mandate is the lack of competent and qualified inspectors to monitor the almost half a million establishments in the country. There are only 233 labor inspectors nationwide, 186 are tasked with enforcing the general labor standards, barely leaving 57 inspectors to enforce the OSHS. The inadequacy of manpower resources can be attributed to the scarcity of budget to accommodate additional personnel - a glaring reflection of the government's apathy towards OHS.#

NR0314:RP in the running for most violent country

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 14, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Philippines not only in the running for being the most corrupt country in Asia, it also qualifies as one of the most violent -Rep. Beltran

In a presscon today at the House of Representatives, Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran said that the Philippines not only in the running for the most corrupt country in Asia, but also it qualifies as among the most violent. He said that the Philippines is a killing field for activists and journalists. "It's always open season for the military, and they hunt down civilians who dare speak out against the government."

"Apart from the structural violence the national government in inflicting on the poor and working people via it's treacherous new tax measures and other economic policies, the government is also in haste to systematize its anti-human rights campaign in the intention of silencing its critics and oppositors. Already, scores of civilians and activists exposing the Macapagal-Arroyo administration's anti-people governance and rulings have been killed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the CAFGU," he said.

"Political repression continues to worsen, and it will be further exacerbated by the anti-terrorism law and national and local ID systems the government is determined to implement. The illusion of democratic space is slowly being disappearing as more and more journalists outspoken against corruption in the different branches of government are being killed; and peaceful demonstrations are violently dispersed," he said.

"The Philippines does not only have a corrupt government, it also has a government that does not think twice about using human rights as doormat just so it can protect its own interest. Under the administration of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the military and other armed forces of the state have become even more mercenary in character and orientation, giving the most cursory consideration for such concepts such as human rights, social justice and civil liberties."

The veteran labor leader said that the ever-worsening corruption in the country is also a reason for the intensifying fascist tendencies of the government. "In order for the big-time bureaucrat capitalists to continue their thievery, they have to silence those who expose and oppose them. This economic mess the country is in is not just because of the unsound economic policies, it's because of the deeply-rooted, systemic corruption."

Beltran said that during the May 11, 2004 elections alone, scores of civilians affiliated or sympathetic to militant and progressive party-list groups such as Anakpawis and Bayan Muna were killed, attacked, or harassed. So far, none of the perpetrators of these actions have been apprehended or brought to justice. #

NR0313: Priest gunned down in Tarlac

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 13, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Another Hacienda Luisita sympathizer killed: Priest William Tadena gunned down in Lapaz Tarlac; Rep. Beltran denounces Govt for inaction on military's political killings

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that that since January, 13 civilians, members of peasant organizations in Central Luzon have been killed since February 18 and the perpetrators are strongly suspected of being from the military, belonging to the 56th Infantry Battalion, 24th IB, 48th IB, 69th IB and elements of the Citizens Armed Forces Group or CAFGU.

Among those killed in Bulacan are Roger Viray, 42, vice-president of the fisherfolk group PAMALAKAYA; Rodel Pelayo, 30 years old, and Joey Abraham, 28, both members of the Central Luzon Aeta Association (CLAA); Renato Espino, 40, a worker and Anakpawis Coordinator; Rodrigo Lampa, another Bayan Muna coordinator; Noel Garcia, 40 and his father Nicanor Garcia, 60, both members of peasant groups under the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). Only recently, Tarlac councilor Abelardo Ladera was gunned down. He was a supporter of the HLI strike.

Just this afternoon, a priest actively supportive of the struggle of striking farmworkers and workers of Hacienda Luisita was gunned down. Fr. William Tadena was killed in Lapaz, Tarlac. According to initial reports, Fr. Tadena suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the head and the head. Two of his companions were also hurt in the shooting.

"The Macapagal-Arroyo administration should take full responsibility for these killings. By ignoring the reports of the mounting number of murders, it is abetting the cold-blooded assassination of civilians and activists. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the CAFGU have brought hell on earth in Central Luzon, the same way they are wreaking havoc in the lives of civilians in other regions. The Macapagal-Arroyo administration's silence on this killings is contemptible," he said.

Beltran said that the administration keeps pushing the Philippine National Police and the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF) to capture notorious kidnappers and crush kidnap-for-ransom groups, but it's not lifting a finger to stop the AFP from butchering civilians.

"The AFP is killing non-combatants, civilians and activists left and right because they think they're finding it hard to defeat the New People's Army. It's the brutal tactic of the AFP to slap the label "NPA" on civilians supporting activist ideals - worker and peasant rights, human rights advocacy, patriotism - and kill them to project the image that it is winning the war against the NPA whom it also libels as a terrorist group," he said.

The veteran labor leader said that the Malacanang continues to push for the passage of an anti-terrorism law and a national ID system as further means to crush political dissent. "There are blatant signs that the administration is stepping up its political repression campaign, and even developing into an outright fascist state. Using the catchphrase "anti-terrorism," the government is putting together a more efficient and comprehensive system of silencing its critics and opponents, particularly those who denounce the administration's economic policies and political compromises that attack the welfare of the poor and working people," he said.#

NR0311:Transparency in assessment/sale of Marcos assets

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 11, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
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Rep. Beltran demands transparency in assessment, sale of seized Marcos assets; says Human Rights victims of the dictatorship should have a say in what happens to the assets

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today demanded transparency in the process the Bureau of Internal Revenue will undertake as it proposes to transfer the titles of seized assets of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos in a move to collect up to $42 billion in unpaid taxes.

"If the BIR will push through with such a move and most likely it will be assisted with other government agencies, there should be full transparency and accounting for every single asset and the financial equivalent or value of each," he said. "The ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses rightfully belong to the Filipino people, particularly to the millions of impoverished farmers, workers and urban and rural poor who bore the brunt of the Marcos' dictatorial rule and massive bureaucrat capitalism," he said.

Beltran said that he will file a motion calling on the BIR as headed by Commissioner Guillermo Parayon to copy furnish his office as well as the organizations of human rights victims of t he Marcos dictatorship regarding all the Marcos asserts the BIR has seized.

"We don't want the Macapagal-Arroyo government to immediately get its hands on these assets only to sell them for a huge profit and disregard the campaign of human rights victims for indemnification. The sale of Marcos assets should primarily go the victims of the dictatorship and directly to a genuine agrarian reform program for the country's farmers," he said. "The basic sectors and their representatives and organizations who battled the Marcos dictatorship should have a say in the what happens to these assets. This is not just a revenue generation measure or a tax collection issue, but a matter of justice and indemnification," he said.#

NR0311: On the weekly OPHs

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 11, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Solon predicts street riots if oil companies jack prices on a weekly basis; urges fellow lawmakers to support bill junking oil deregulation law

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today slammed Malacanang's proposal that oil companies should raise oil prices only by P0.50/liter a week. "Malacanang might think that this proposal would pacify the public and make consumers accept the reality of weekly oil price hikes, but this proposal is downright preposterous. Instead of haggling for limited oil price hikes, this government should be giving the oil cartel a what for and pushing for a restraining order against all OPHs," he said.

"A weekly oil price increase of P0.50 will be a nightmare for everyone. There's nothing to stop manufacturers and stores from jacking their prices and there's be greater economic chaos. The transport groups are well justified not only in demanding a fare increase, but more importantly, in calling for nationwide transport strike that will paralyze all operations. Malacanang is orchestrating further economic mayhem with its proposal. It's a outrage that it has taken a wheedling tone with the oil cartel instead of standing up against it in defense of consumers and the public," he said.

"Soon enough, there'll be riots in the streets over the oil price hikes. It's inevitable that with OPHs, there'll also be increases in the rates of electricity. The Filipino people can't take much more of these attacks on their economic welfare. People are already clamoring for Pres. Arroyo's head because of the tax measures she's pushing," he said.

The veteran labor leader said that there were no more ifs and buts, "The oil deregulation law should be scrapped immediately. Shell, Caltex and Petron have abused it to the hilt, leaving consumers and the entire economy in the lurch," he said.

Beltran urged fellow representatives to support HB 1065 repealing the oil deregulation law. "Past and present officials of the government have failed miserably to formulate and implement effective policies that provide immediate relief from the oppressive effects of the automatic adjustments in the prices of oil products, free from the hassles of public scrutiny and other transparent processes. The government should not hesitate to institute reforms in order to fully protect the people, even if such an action is contrary to the interest of the powerful and influential transnational oil corporations," he said.

Beltran said that under the oil deregulation law, the following took place to the detriment of the Filipino people and the national economy:

a) The removal of the limits to profiteering which, prior to the deregulation, the rate of return base (RORB) was pegged at 12%
b) An automatic pricing mechanism was instituted. Before, public hearings at the then Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) were required prior to any oil price hike. Under deregulation, the increases have become automatic. The oil companies are no longer obligated or bound by law to explain the increases; neither are they compelled to announce the increases at an earlier date
c) There are no more limits to the amount they can increase in prices, whereas pre-deregulation, the limit was pegged at P0.50 per liter
d) The subsidies for oil products such as kerosene, LPG, and coal which are the materials used to generate electricity and are the main fuel sources utilized by majority of households
e) Removal of tariff differentials. This means that under deregulation, the lower tariffs for oil companies that have refineries in the Philippines were removed supposedly to ensure that Petron, Caltex and Shell will not be able to have an unfair advantage. This is a naïve assumption because the cartel of the three big corporations is already well-established and it cannot be easily dismantled simply through lower tariffs for their competitors.
f) The removal of the Oil Price Stabilization Fund (OPSF). For all its limitations and loopholes, the fund could have still been utilized by the people if its management was more transparent and in keeping with its genuine purpose.

In short, oil deregulation only worsened problems in the oil industry and further victimized consumers and the economy," he concluded.#

NR0310:Address reproductive health care issue

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 10, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Solon says reproductive and overall health care of Filipinos should be addressed

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that he was inclined to side with fellow lawmakers pushing for better reproductive health care for the Filipino poor. He said that the issue was not really an issue religion or morality, but an issue of promoting better health for women and children. "It's long overdue that the issue of reproductive health care for Filipino women is addressed. This is a matter of giving Filipinos more information as to how they can take care of themselves and their families," he said.

The veteran labor leader said that the debate over the issue should be grounded in everyday realities in the lives of Filipinos. "Because of the national government's inutility in providing adequate social services for its constituency, many Filipinos are unable to take care of their children and secure their health growth and development. Mothers and fathers have no means to send their children to schools or to hospitals when they fall ill. If there are a few existing measures that will enable Filipinos to take care of their reproductive health, then they should be supported, even as we push for greater state subsidies for health and education."

"In truth, because of poor information and inadequate health services, more Filipinas miscarry, or their children are both with tragic physical or mental defects. Many poor Filipino families are unable to have their children treated, so their illnesses or infirmities worsen. All this should be addressed," he said. "Teen pregnancies are also on the rise, and many teenagers undergo illegal and dangerous abortion operations."

Beltran said that responsible parenthood is not the sole responsibilities of families. "If the government was able to provide for all Filipinos-generating employment with adequate, living wages and salaries for workers, and strong support for millions of small farmers all over the country, then the population issue would not be so crucial. "#

NR0309:Refuse ODAs; oppose anti-terror measures

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 9, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Malacanang should repudiate foreign debt; refuse ODA offered by WB. These financial assistance funds do the country more harm than good - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative today expressed outrage over the threat of the World Bank that it will withhold official development assistance (ODA) and other financial assistance to the Philippines if the country does not immediately pass the VAT law and hasten the implementation of its fiscal reform program.

"It's obvious that the WB and other international finance institutions (IFIs) such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are the masterminds behind the VAT and the other infamous tax measures Malacanang is pressuring Congress to pass," he said.

"The Filipino people are up in arms against the VAT and the other tax bills, but Malacanang is desperate to remain on the good side of the WB and other IFIs so it's cracking the whip on Congress and the Senate. The poor and marginalized sectors are going to be severely victimized by these tax bills, and Malacanang couldn't care less. Clearly, the WB and the IFIs have Malacanang by the short hairs. Instead of asserting institutional independence and expressing outrage against such blackmailing, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is simpering and hastening to assure the WB, ADB and foreign investors that the VAT and other tax laws will be passed come hell or high water," he said.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that the Philippine government should resist and condemn the threat made by the WB. "We owe the WB nothing. The Filipino people have bled and bled to pay the onerous debts made by previous administrations and this exploitation should stop. The ODA and other financial assistance packages given by the WB and the other IFIs were not gifts, but loans that have iron chains attached to them, binding the nation and the people to fiscal mendicancy. Government should immediately repudiate these debts and stop availing of these ODAs. They do the economy and the people more harm than good," he said.

###########
UN Delegation's recommendation for anti-terror measures shameful, encourages RP govt's rising fascist tendencies

In the meantime, the activist solon said that the United Nations Delegation's recommendation for the passage of an anti-terror law in the country should be ignored. "The UN should know better than to recommend the passage and implementation of legislation that will further crucify human and civil rights in politically backward countries such as the Philippines," he said.

"The Macapagal-Arroyo administration grows increasingly authoritarian, and its fascist tendencies are making themselves felt. An national ID system and an anti-terrorism bill will only legitimize the brutality the government is unleashing against the civilian populace through military and police operations. The UN delegation 's recommendation is shameful," he said.

Beltran said that proposed national identification system as a reminiscent of the Marcos dictatorship. He said that the system was first launched during former President Ferdinand Marcos's term in 1973 but was not implemented due to protests from the public. Then the proposal was revived in 1982 under Parliamentary Bill no. 2447 but, again, was not imposed due to massive protest actions.

"The implementation of a Barangay-based ID system is but an extension of this greater evil," he said. "Local government officials are better of pushing for national reforms that will increase subsidies for public hospitals, public schools and the establishment of other public service infrastructure instead of jumping on this anti-terror bandwagon," he said. "This barangay ID system, like it's national counterpart will result in more illegal search and surveillance operations, harassment, persecution, bribery, discrimination, and racial profiling," he said.#

NR0308: Repeal oil dereg to stop overpricing

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 8, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Repealing Oil Deregulation Law and dismantling oil cartel can
stop oil overpricing - Rep. Beltran

"The only way to stop oil overpricing is to stop deregulation in the oil industry and dismantle the oil cartel". This was the statement made today by Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran in response to the relentless problem of continuous oil price increases.

Beltran cited that since the implementation of Republic Act 8479 or the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law in 1998, gasoline and diesel prices increased by 137 percent and 180 percent respectively.

"The Oil Deregulation Law simply allowed the oil companies to freely increase their prices at their own will. It increased the monopolistic control and profiteering of the oil giants forming the cartel", said Beltran.

Beltran welcomed and supported Senate President Drilon's proposal to buy back Petron shares saying that such proposal is a step towards dismantling the oil cartel. However, the labor leader turned lawmaker insisted that repealing the Oil Deregulation Law is a bigger step to stop overpricing.

The solon also criticized the Department of Energy's (DOE) bases of reviewing the Oil Deregulation Law. He said "that the House Committee on Energy instructed the DOE to review RA 8479 on matters regarding the pricing mechanism of oil companies and not on merits of their standards."

"It is clear that the House Committee on Energy, in its last hearing, is demanding the Department of Energy to investigate probable overpricing of oil companies. If the DOE will not investigate the issue on overpricing, its effort to review the Oil Deregulation Law is useless and is just a waste of time and resources," Beltran added.

Beltran also asked his fellow solons to support House Bill 1065 entitled "An act repealing Republic Act 8479, otherwise known as the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law", It was filed last July 1, 2004, the first session day of the 13th Congress by Anakpawis, Bayan Muna and Gabriela Partylists.#

NR0308: GMA treating unemployment problem lightly

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 8, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Arroyo govt not taking country's unemployment problem seriously - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today expressed incredulity over reports that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has assigned the Presidential Management Staff, particularly its head Rigoberto Tiglao, to lead the government's efforts to create six million jobs for the next six years. This after Pres. Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 408 last March 3 which abolished the position of presidential adviser for job generation.

"Clearly, Pres. Arroyo is treating the country's massive unemployment problem lightly. Apparently, it's not serious enough for her so she's only tapping the PMS to tackle the problem, regardless how obviously ill-equipped and ill-suited the PMS is for the gargantuan task," he said. "Rigoberto Tiglao may be a man of many talents, but it's highly unlikely that he can create a million jobs a year every year for the next six years. What kind of jobs can Tiglao create using his powers and authority as PMS head? The country's unemployed need work in factories, agriculture, white-collar positions including posts in the government service."

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that the country's unemployment rate has reached a whopping 11-14%, this according to government estimates. "For the first time in recent history, the government has been forced to release food coupons and acknowledge the worsening problems of hunger and extreme destitution victimizing millions of Filipinos. The continuing rise in costs of living now pegged at P704 a day contributes to the misery of the unemployed," he said.

Beltran said that Pres. Arroyo herself is single-handedly contributing to the country's jobless rates. "The executive orders she continues to churn out will inevitable result in the loss of thousands of jobs in the bureaucracy. Left and right she is abolishing government agencies and departments and downsizing employees in the name of austerity measures," he said. "This leaves the remaining employees in the already stretched-to-the-limit bureaucracy oppressed under the weight of their multi-tasking jobs," he said. #

NR0306:Govt should rescind contracts in oil industry

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release March 6, 2005
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
Cellphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news

Buying back Govt shares in Petron a welcome move; Malacanang should rescind contracts with foreign investors in oil industry and junk oil deregulation - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran expressed strong agreement with Senate President Franklin Drilon's suggestion that the national government buy-back majority shares in Petron, saying this move should be the first in a series of reforms in the oil industry that will put an end to the greedy price manipulation of the oil cartel, while encouraging the nationalization of the country's oil resources.

"The Philippine government should not be afraid to rescind its contracts with foreign investors if it means defending the welfare of the Filipino people against the escalating prices of oil and consequently, that of basic goods and rates of crucial social services," he said. "The government should not hesitate to institute reforms in order to fully protect the people, even if such an action is contrary to the interest of the powerful and influential transnational oil corporations."

Beltran said that reports regarding the global pricing of oil continues to worsen, as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says that prices of crude oil could rise to as high as $80 a barrel within the next two years.

World oil prices were mixed on Thursday after reaching four-month highs in New York and London the previous day amid a rise in UScrude stocks and jitters over increased global demand. The crude oil closed in New York at just over $53.05 a barrel for the second day, the highest closing level since Oct. 26. In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in April rose $0.08 to $51.30 a barrel on Thursday, after earlier reaching a new four-month high of $51.50.

"If world oil prices continue to increase, shouldn't the Philippine government be making contingency plans and creating buffer measures to protect the local industry and ensure that consumers are not crucified by the high prices? We can't and shouldn't wait for OPEC to push through with its plans to spike oil price to $80 per barrel. That would be suicide."

"Sec. Vince Perez' logic that buying back Petron will not make a difference because world prices of oil will continue to go up is defeatist and is treasonous. It's the duty of the government to defend the local economy and protect consumers by securing all local oil resources and removing them from the control of foreign investors. Buying Petron is only the first step. Government should also stop the sale of Malampaya and the privatization of other oil reserves being discovered in the country," he said.

The veteran labor leader said that the national government should hold full control over the oil industry and repeal the oil deregulation law. "Because of deregulation, there are more players in the oil industry with similar interest to totally control all phases of the downstream oil industry, from the business of importing, exporting, re-exporting, shipping, transporting, processing, refining, storing, and distributing to marketing crude oil and petroleum products. They're all in the industry obviously to make a profit, and this inevitably is at the expense of consumers. The high cost of gasoline and petroleum products in the market can also be attributed to the government. The oil industry is the most heavily taxed sector of the economy. More than fifty percent (50%) of the prices of oil in the country is made up of taxes," he said.#