3 news releases 0929:On EO464, DOLE budget, railway senate hearing

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B. Beltran
News Release September 29, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, chief of staff
Email: rep_crispin_beltran@yahoo.com.ph, anakpawis_partylist@yahoo.com
Celphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news


Elements of Martial law complete and in place: GMA has declared the executive office supreme power and no longer subject to scrutiny with EO 464

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran that Malacanang’s Executive order 464 was a roundabout way of declaring martial law and emasculating or removing the powers of the legislative and judicial bodies. He said that it’s become a Malacanang or Macapagal-Arroyo dictatorship, with all information classified as controversial and confidential and subject to clearance from Malacanang.

“Malacanang has essentially declared itself above scrutiny and accountability; and all its orders, declarations, plans and programs confidential in nature and thus cannot be divulged outside offices separate from the immediate jurisdiction of the executive and the departments and agencies under it,” he said.

“How else can Malacanang now be held accountable for anything when it has imposed a gag order on all its officials from the highest posts to the most humble department?”

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that all legislators and the Supreme Court should oppose this Executive Order and demand that Malacanang immediately scrap it.

“Martial law is already in place – it’s components have already been laid down and are in full implementation. This infamous EO coupled with the calibrated preemptive response policy against rallies and other forms of democratic protest and assembly aim to effectively quash civil political and human rights, and at the same time deny lawmakers and even the judiciary the right to question administration officials regarding crucial government issues,” he said.

“Macapagal-Arroyo is so severely threatened and fearing for her position that she has resorted to this EO and the CPR. This completely exposes her façade of confidence and security as exactly that – a thin façade. Whatever illusion of stability she has tried to project in the weeks succeeding the junking of the impeachment complaint has been shattered. By no means has this corrupt and illegitimate president recovered from the crisis. If anything, she has further exposed her weakness.”

Finally, Beltran said that it has become even more imperative that Macapagal-Arroyo be forced to step down. “She cannot be allowed to remain in power a minute more. Daily her desperation to cling to her office is resulting to even more tyrannical and draconian measures. There is increasing restiveness in all sectors of Philippine society, including the military. To save the country from further economic degradation and political distress, Macapagal-Arroyo must be removed from office now,” he concluded.#

Congressman enjoins senators to call for temporary restraining order on implementation of NorthRail project

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today accompanied members and leaders of the Stop Northrail Coalition composed of urban poor and people’s organizations Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) Pagkakaisa ng mga Maralita sa Riles (PAMARIL), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Bulacan, Bulacan Inter-faith Dialogue, Samahan ng mga Residente at Negosyante sa Riles – Meycauayan and Anakpawis National Political Party to the Senate investigations hearings regarding the controversial Northrail project.

They dialogued with Senate president Franklin Drilon, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, and sought their support in the campaign to stop the demolition of the houses of thousands of urban poor Filipinos which is the immediate impact of the anomalous railway project.

Beltran said that even as the senate delves into the nitty-gritty and fine-print detail of the railway contract forged between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the government of China, a temporary restraining order must be immediately laid down against the project. He said that the Senate should move to halt the project implementation given its disastrous and destructive impact on residents of Bulacan and Central Luzon.

“Thousands of Bulakenyos are either being forced out of their homes or forced to destroy their own houses to make way for project which masquerades as a harbinger of economic development,” he said. “The contract itself is a slap against the face of Philippine economic sovereignty, but the impact is deadly given how many Filipino families have now been rendered homeless or forced to live like war refugees in relocation sites where water and electricity facilities are lacking,” he said.

Beltran said that the project’s impact far outweigh any benefits the government projects it will have. “Residents forced to relocate to Panghulo, Malabon and Bayugo, Meycauan have found that the land they’re being forced to live on are former dumpsites covered with a layer of soil. “When it rains, the floods immediately reach up to waist-level. What’s worse, the said land (32sq. m. per family) costs P100,000 or more than P3,000 per square meter. How will the urban poor residents pay for this?”#


Labor leader turned solon denounces DOLE budget proposal for 2006 as ‘anti-worker”

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today slammed the Department of Labor and Employment’s proposed budget for 2006, saying that the department led by Secretary Sto. Tomas was using its budget to further undermine the rights and welfare of workers while helping secure the profits of employers and capitalists. The following is his critique of the said budget being deliberated upon today in Congress:

“Php4.63 bilyon o 0.44% lamang ng proposed GAA 2006 ang nakalaan para sa DOLE. Ang mas nakakadismaya pa rito, ang kakarampot na pondong nakukuha ng DOLE ay mas ginagamit para lapastanganin ang mga batayang karapatan ng mga manggagawa.

“Php1.34 bilyon o 28.93% ng pondo ng DOLE ay nakalaan para sa Office of the Secretary. Bumaba sa 42.63% ang pondong gagamitin nito para sa employment preservation services to promote and maintain industrial peace among workers and employers. Mula sa Php113.84 milyon ngayong 2005, Php65.31 milyon na lamang ang ilalaan para rito. DOLE claims to promote and maintain industrial peace through labor and management education, freedom of association, prevention or expeditious and fair resolution of labor disputes, enhancement of labor-management cooperation, and promotion of social dialogue as a central element of labor policies.

Hindi ito totoo.

“We are back to the dark days of Martial Rule where there is silence because dissenters are altogether “silenced.” This now can be said of the “industrial peace” in the labor front. There is now peace because that “peace” is now measured by the very power by which the government exercises restraint. At most, DOLE’s measurement of industrial peace (“low strike incidence”) is superficial and cosmetic.

“The core issues that figure in conflicts in the labor front can be summed as follows: (1) wages and benefits, (2) security of tenure, (3) right to association and to organize, and (4) right to collectively bargain. There is no industrial peace because the government failed and continues to fail to address these core issues by consistently siding with the more powerful wielder of capital. And instead of adopting the right strategy, it has embarked on more inflammatory measures which may even worsen industrial strife which includes the suppression of the workers’ right to strike and promoting a more “democratic” process of solving labor disputes – conciliation/mediation and voluntary arbitration.

“Mahigit sa 40% ang linaki ng pondo ng National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) para sa paggawa ng mga polisiya at mga programa ukol sa conciliation/mediation, labor management corporation at voluntary arbitration. Ten percent naman ang linaki ng pondo ng NCMB para sa implementasyon ng kanilang mga polisiya at mga programa. Pinagmamalaki ng DOLE ang conciliation/mediation at voluntary arbitration bilang mga “better alternative” sa labor dispute settlement.

Ang hinihingi natin sa DOLE ay gamitin ang pondong nakukuha nila para manguna sa laban ng mga manggagawa at pangalagaan ang kanilang mga interes at karapatan. Ngunit, bingi ang DOLE sa ating mga panawagan.

Sa kabila ng napakaraming labor cases dahil na rin sa napakaraming mga manggagawa na napagsasamantalahan, 1.88% lamang ang linaki ng pondo ng National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) para sa arbitration ng mga labor cases at binawasan pa ng 0.37% ang pondo nito para sa resolution ng mga nakaapelang labor cases. 50% naman ang paglaki sa pondo ng National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) para sa general administration and support services kahit na nagiging kasangkapan ito upang mapanatiling mababa ang sahod ng mga manggagawa at patuloy na tumataas ang wage disparity sa iba’t ibang sektor.

Php223.83 milyon o 4.84% ng pondo ng DOLE ay nakalaan para sa Philippine Overseas Employment Association (POEA). Halos 20% ang ilalaki ng pondo nito para sa general administration and support services habang ang pondo nito para sa adjudication service, workers' welfare assistance, overseas placement services at employment operation services ay lumiit:

1. Adjudication Service, 2005:Php28.79 milyon; proposed GAA 2006:Php26.15 milyon
2. Workers’ Welfare Assistance at Overseas Placement Services, 2005:Php37.26 milyon; proposed GAA 2006: Php35.56 milyon
3. Employment Operation Services, 2005:Php40.82 milyon; proposed GAA 2006: Php38.81 milyon

Recently, the Commission on Audit (COA) slammed the POEA for illegally granting about Php40 million in incentives and allowances to its officials for the past three years. COA also took the POEA to task for allowing its executives and employees who were issued mobile phones to download about Php796,000 worth of games, tones, picture messages and other unauthorized items. COA also said POEA drew Php24.048 million from the funds of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) to grant an “incentive allowance” to its personnel.

Samantala, mahigit sa kalahati ng pondo ng DOLE o Php2.42 bilyon ay nakalaan para sa Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). 167.3% ang linaki ng pondo nito para sa general administration and support services at 118.35% ang tinaas ng pondo nito para sa skills standardization, testing at certification. Nakakalula ang 1220% na pagtaas ng pondo nito para sa formal technical-vocational education at training. Mula sa Php16.50 mliyon ngayong taon, Php217.98 mliyon na ang nakalaan para rito. Pinapatunayan nito na mas binibigyang halaga ng rehimeng Arroyo ang pagsasanay ng mga semi-skilled workers imbis na tutukan ang basic at advanced education needs ng mga Pilipino.#

Sept.26 Privileged speech on martial law, assasination of labor leader Diosdado Fortuna

Nakapataw na ang batas Militar para sa mga aktibistang pulitikal; Katarungan para kay Diosdado Fortuna, Lider Manggagawa
Privileged speech delivered by
Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B.Beltran, September 26, 2005


Mr. Speaker, this representation would like to speak on the growing political repression in the country and the recent killing of a respected labor leader and human rights advocate which took place last Thursday, September 22, 2005.

Mr. Speaker, lumabas kamakailan ang mga ulat na may balak ang gobyerno ni Gng. Gloria Macapagal-Gloria na magpataw ng batas militar bilang tugon sa hindi pa rin mapahupang mga protesta laban sa corrupt at ilehitimong presidente at mga patakarang kinakatawan ng kanyang administrasyon.

Nagpalitan na akusasyon at denial ang Malacanang at ilang kilalang kinatawan ng Opposition kaugnay dito, at hanggang ngayong araw ay pinipilit ni Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye na guni-guni lang ng ilang tao ang batas militar. Ani Bunye, pasulong nang muli ang gobyerno at ekonomya, at walang dapat ipangamba ang publiko dahil walang naka-umang na crackdown sa mga karapatang pantao at sibil.

Mr. Speaker, tutol ang kinatawang ito sa ganitong pahayag, at nais kong sabihing sinungaling si Bunye at ang iba pang tagapagsalita ng gobyerno na nagsasabing walang nangyayaring pag-atake sa kagalingan ng mamamayan, partikular kung pag-uusapan ang civil, political and human rights.

Mr. Speaker, sa pananaw ng mga pamilya ng mga sibilyang biktima ng panghaharas at pagpatay ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, matagal nang nakapataw ang batas militar. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, wala pang nakakamit na hustisya para sa mga biktima ng human rights violations kasama na ang pagdukot at pagpatay sa ilalim pa lang ng admnistrasyong Arroyo.

Ngayong taon lang, umabot na sa 50 na aktibista at lider ng mga progresibong organisasyon at party- list ang pinatay. Kabilang na dito ang mga prominenteng lokal na opisyales, makabayang pari, mga abogado, peryodista, at mga lider manggagawa at magsasaka.

Ang paninindigan naman ng mga human rights organizations, kahit hindi na ipataw ang martial law, dahil sa implementasyon ng mga patakarang tulad ng no-strike policy sa mga export processing zones at sa pagbabawal sa mga kilos protesta at demonstrasyon pag walang permit, batas militar na rin ang ipinatutupad ng pamahalaan.

Mr. Speaker, despite the denials of the administration, this Representation believes that strongest vigilance and watchfulness are necessary to defend Filipinos’ democratic and civil rights against any and all attempts of the beleaguered presidency. The denials of the various Malacanang spokespersons that Pres. Arroyo has no intention of imposing martial law should not be accepted at face value. A highly questionable anti-terrorism bill is still in the works, and the PNP has already been instructed to crackdown on rallies and demonstrations without permits.

We cannot trust the word of this government much less it’s highest official who has already been caught cheating and lying again and again, but still refuses to resign from office. The subject of political killings has not been addressed at all by the Arroyo administration. Not a single police or military element has been punished for violating the human and civil rights of protestors. The country remains on the watchlist of every human rights watchdog in the world.

Mabalita ko na rin, Mr. Speaker na may umiikot nang mga ulat kaugnay sa isang komprehensibong plano laban sa mga nagpo-protesta. Umano, a plan to undermine the protests and demonize demonstrators and their leaders especially from the progressive and militant organizations originates from Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security which is composed of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, AFP chief Gen. Generoso Senga and Philippine National Police chief Director General Arturo C. Lomibao. Pinag-aaralan pa itong ulat na ito, Mr. Speaker.

Sa puntong ito, Mr. Speaker, upang lalong bigyang laman ang akusasyon ng mga human rights groups na may batas militar na kahit hindi ito deklarado, aking kinokendana ang pagpaslang sa isang kilalang lider manggagawa sa Southern Tagalog.

Isang araw matapos ang mga protesta kaugnay sa ika-33 taong anibersaryo ng deklarasyon ng Batas Militar ng diktaduryang Marcos, pinatay si Diosdado Fortuna, tagapangulo ng unyon ng Nestle-Philippines . Si Ka Fort , tagapangulo ng pederasyong PAMANTIK-KMU, at tagapangulo ng Anakpawis Southern Tagalog ay binaril ng dalawang beses sa dibdib. Ginawa ang pamamaril sa Sagara, Brgy. Paciano, Canlubang, Laguna ng mga kalalakihang mahigpit na pinaghihinalaang militar.

Mr. Speaker, itatak ang araw na iyon sa kasaysayan ng pakikibaka ng uring manggagawang Pilipino at sambayanan. Dumanak ang dugo ng isang dakilang lider manggagawa at lider-mamamayan. Nadagdagan na naman ang mahabang listahan ng utang na dugo ng mapagsamantalang naghaharing sistema at ng gobyernong kumakatawan dito.

Matibay na nanindigan si Ka Fort laban sa mga di-makataong patakaran ng management ng transnasyunal na kumpanya ng Nestle at sa pakikipagkutsabahan nito sa Department of Labor and Employment sa ilalim ni Patricia Sto. Tomas. Itinaas nya kasama ng kanyang kapwa unyunista ang mga isyung pang-unyon sa antas pambansa sa pamamagitan ng pagbira sa cheap and exploited labor policy ng gobyerno at ang ang burukrata kapitalismo ng mga bulok na opisyales tulad ni Sto. Tomas.

Noong 2002, pinamunuan ni Ka Fort ang welga sa Nestle Cabuyao matapos magkaraoon ng deadlock sa collective bargaining agreement nang tutulan ng kumpanya na kilalanin ang retirement benefits bilang bahagi ng CBA.

Bilang pangulo ng union, nilantad din nya ang ma-anomalyang kasunduan sa pagitan ng DOLE at ni Sto. Tomas matapos bayaran ng transnasyunal na kumpanya ang chauffer services ni Sto. Tomas sa Switzerland nang sya’y nakatalaga pa sa International Labor Organization (ILO).

Sa mga huling buwan bago sya pinatay, aktibo si Ka Fort sa kampanyang masa para sa pagpapatalsik kay pangulong Arroyo. Lagi syang kasama sa mga kilos protesta, sa Timog Katagulan at sa mga malalaking pagtitipon sa EDSA at sa Makati.

Mr. Speaker, Ka Fort is the 120th victim of political assassination in Southern Tagalog, and the 40th member of Anakpawis Party List killed since it was established in 2002. Hanggang ngayon, wala pa ring maibigay na ulat ang Laguna PNP command kaugnay sa mga imbestigasyon sa ginawang pagpatay sa kanya. Kung magtuturo ng daliri kung sino ang mga maaring salarin, maaring ituro bilang suspek ang AFP, PNP, o ang Regional Special Action Force (RSAF).

Sa harap ng mga ganitong klaseng kaganapan, masasabi bang may kapayapaan sa bansa? Na may paggalang sa karapatang pantao? Undeclared ang martial law sa bansa, Mr. Speaker. Araw-araw binibiktima nito ang mamamayan na ayaw tumigil sa paglantad ng katotohanan at pagtutol sa kawalan ng panlipunang katarungan. Hwag nating pahintulutan na si Ka Fort at ang daan-daang katulad nya na pinaslang ng mga pwersa ng gobyerno ay manatiling mga statistics lang. Kailangang ilantad, labanan at wakasan ang pagpaslang sa mga sibilyang nagsusulong sa mga pampulitikang pagbabago sa lipunan.

In conclusion Mr. Speaker, Honorable members of this chamber, a challenge for all of us. We are all challenged to stand with the Filipino people in opposing the Arroyo regime’s rising tyranny and political repression. There can never be true progress and development where there is no justice; and where there is no justice, genuine and lasting peace can never take root.

Those who seek to silence the protesting voices of the exploited aid the exploiters and condone the worsening human rights situation in the country. We as their representatives must join the Filipino people in defending their human and political rights against all forms of repression. Never again to martial law! Justice for all human rights victims, and defend the living and breathing democracy that lives at the heart of every street protest against this corrupt and illegitimate presidency! Thank you and good afternoon.#

NR0928:Gov't's mall economy, new definition of unemployment

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B. Beltran
News Release September 28, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, chief of staff
Email: rep_crispin_beltran@yahoo.com.ph, anakpawis_partylist@yahoo.com
Celphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news


Government pining hopes on “Mall Economy” and crossing fingers on low Forex in the coming year. Statistics Office changes definition of “Unemployed” to project PGMA doing her job

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that Congress has lost almost all its power to control the country’s “purse.” He quoted Committee on Appropriations chair Rolando Andaya as saying during the last meeting on the budget as saying that “Congress is only deliberating on 10-12% of the country’s “purse.”

Because of Presidential Decree No. 1177 (issued by Marcos which was later adopted by the other administrations), the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC) comprised of DBM, NEDA, DOF and BSP presented to the Congress a very sketchy picture of FY 2005, and the prospects look very dismal for the Filipino people in the coming year.

On the production side, government says that growth will continue to be driven by a “vibrant” services sector which they attribute to the planned opening of several SM malls in the last quarter of 2006 and rising investments in mining . “We are lying on malls to prop up the economy. What kind of economy relies heavily on service sector to keep it afloat? It’s like building a house on substandard materials or at least using sticks and straw. The government is crossing its fingers that mall moguls like Henry Sy and the Gokongweis will build more malls and thus provide the illusion that employment is being generated. In truth, Filipinos go to malls for the airconditioning – to escape the heat more than to buy things,” he said.

As for mining, Beltran said that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the constitutionality of the mining act was an act of treason and a signal fire for rapacious mining companies to further rape and destroy the environment. “They’re going to gouge out thousands of hectares of productive and arable land and leave them empty husks. Thousands are being displaced, and plant and wildlife destroyed,” he pointed out.

Because OFW remittances are at all-time high pegged at $8.8 billion, the government plans to deploy more Filipinos in other countries next year. Beltran said that instead of pouring all effort and energy as well financial resources into developing independent and self-reliant economy based on strong manufacturing, heavy industries and agriculture, the government is pushing more Filipinos outside the country and roisk t their lives to expose themselves to worse exploitation by foreign employers,” he said.

The veteran labor leader legislator also scoffed at the government new way of computing the unemployment rate. Unemployment (January to July 2005) is at all-time low pegged at 7.8% because of the new definition of unemployment adopted by National Statistics (NSO).

The NSO has defined unemployed as per National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Resolution No. 15 dated October 20, 2004, as all persons who are 15 years old and over as of their last birthday and are reported as (1) without work; AND (2) currently available for work; AND (3) seeking work OR not seeking work due to valid reasons.

“All three considerations have to apply to a person before one is considered unemployed. If one consideration does not apply, the person, even if he or she is actually without a job at the time he or she is surveyed, will be considered EMPLOYED. This is a stupid definition and was clearly implemented to show that Pres. Arroyo has been doing her job to provide employment to millions,” he said.

Beltran also said that the economic forecast by government agencies were also skewed and based on “magic formulations and wishful thinking: “Assumptions on inflation re proposed budget are the following: (1) global petroleum supply growth will not accommodate incremental global demand, 2) the foreign exchange rate will stay within P55-57, (3) electricity rate increase of P0.36/kWh, (4) fare hike and wage adjustments in June and July, and (4) 12% VAT implementation and repeal of exemptions in 2006,” he said. The government is dreaming awake.”#

NR0927:Loss of electoral returns, ballot boxes to the benefit of illegitimate prez, vice-prez

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep.Crispin Beltran
News Release
September 27, 2005


House leadership should take responsibility for missing ballots,electoral returns and ballot boxes – Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the mystery of the missing ballots should be solved because it holds the key to the massive fraud perpetrated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and vice-president Noli de Castro in the May 2004 polls. He said that the allegations that the missing 150 ballot boxes containing election returns (ERs) from Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Surigao del Sur should be immediately found. In the meantime, those responsible for the security of the ballot boxes should be questioned, which means the Congressional security staff detailed to guard the ballots.

Beltran insisted, however, that the main accountability rests with the House leadership. “The House leadership should be made accountable for the missing ballot boxes and their contents. No one could have touched those ballot boxes much less taken them without clear directives from House authorities. Investigations should be made into this development,” he said.

“They could not have simply disappeared into thin air. The ballot boxes have been under lock and key for over a year, but who else has access to these locks and keys? Who else will benefit from the loss of evidence pointing to massive poll cheating?”

“But it isn’t as if this is all a total surprise. Most likely, the ballot boxes and their contents have long been spirited away, months before the Hello, Garci tapes were exposed. Pres. Arroyo and her allies would have acted swiftly and decisively to clean up all proof of the fraud, and the surest way would be to sequester the lot -- the much contested ballots, election returns and ballot boxes,” he said.

“What all this proves is that there really was electoral fraud perpetrated in May 2004. The contents of the taped conversations between Mrs. Arroyo and Comelec commissioner Virgilio Garcilliano already verified that the president did have knowledge and in fact worked hard to ensure that the fraud is perpetrated by at least 1 million votes. The missing election returns, if found, would more than likely yield the said missing votes taken from the standard-bearers of the leading opposing party led by Fernando Poe Jr.,” he said.

“It’s evident that the allies of Mrs. Arroyo and the poseur-president herself will go through great lengths to make sure that any attempt to expose the truth behind their electoral fraud will be defeated. How can a recount be implemented if the returns are missing? The administration is making sure that the recount attempt is dead in the water even before it starts.”

Beltran said that the political crisis over Mrs. Arroyo legitimacy as president will continue to drag and will stop if the inevitable goal is met, that of her removal from power. “If it’s not taped conversations, it will be missing ballot boxes. Then there are the relentless charges of corruption and exposes regarding her officials’ secret deals to perpetuate her and themselves in political power. Mrs. Arroyo will never be allowed to rest securely and confidently on her seat as president. All her remaining days as executive however many she will be derided and accused of being the impostor president, her credibility severely attacked and undermined. The scandals and controversies surrounding her presidency will continue to hound her and will contribute to her administration’s instability,” he concluded. #

Nr0926:2006 budget based on problematic assumptions

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B. Beltran
News Release September 26, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, chief of staff
Email: rep_crispin_beltran@yahoo.com.ph, anakpawis_partylist@yahoo.com
Celphone number 09213907362
Visit geocities.com/ap_news


Large chunk of 2006 budget earmarked for debt payments; assumptions in the proposed budget are even more problematic – Rep. Beltran

On the first day of congressional deliberations on the proposed 2006 general appropriations act Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran said that he already sees a myriad of reasons why it should be opposed. The proposed budget for 2006 is higher by Php145.7B or 16.05% more compared to the budget for 2005, but, Beltran said, the Filipino poor will still benefit very little from it.

“While it is true that the fund for social services increased by Php39.6B or 15.6%, the increase for defense is being jacked by 18.7% or Php8.33B. The increase in the defense budget is almost as big as the proposed budget for the entire judiciary, the third branch of government,” he said. Beltran pointed out that even as the funds for social services increased, interest payments for the country’s debt servicing will eat up Php340B or 32.28% of the over-all budget for 2006. “This allocation increased by Php38.3B or 12.69% compared to last year’s.”

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker also said that in the proposed GAA 2006, some Php381.7B is being squirreled for principal amortization of an off-budget item or funds that will no longer undergo the scrutiny of congress. “Compared to the principal amortization for this year, the 2006 principal amortization is poised to increase by Php37.6B or 10.93%. To summarize, the government will spend Php721.7B for debt payments in 2006. These debts grew by Php75.9B or 11.75% from last year’s Php645.8B. “This would mean that every Filipino pays P25 a day for debt payments – or Php9012.50 for the whole year. This is also equivalent to almost Php2 billion a day, a tremendous drain on our resources and a massive obstacle to real, lasting progress,” he said.

“Altogether, the 2006 proposal posits a total increase of Php134.6B over this year’s budget. But the projected deficit (essentially the money the country will borrow to bridge the difference between what the government expects to earn and what it proposes to spend) will be down to Php124.9B, from this year’s projected deficit of Php180B. Sabi ni Budget Secretary Romulo Neri, ito ay dahil daw sa mas mataas na revenue collection. But we must note that this proposed budget is highly conditional because the “increase in revenue collection” relies heavily in the implementation of E-VAT.”

Finally, the veteran labor leader turned legislator said that other assumptions in the proposed budget are even more problematic. “The proposal assumes that the economy will grow by 6.3% next year, a full percentage point better than it is expected to grow this year. It assumes an average exchange rate of Php55-57 per dollar. Worst of all, it assumes that the benchmark Dubai crude oil price will stay at the $55-$56 level per barrel. The chances of the economy improving in the coming year are only two – slim and none. Even now as Congress deliberates on the budget, oil prices have once more made a leap, dragging with them the prices of basic commodities and electricity rates,” he said.#

NR0925:Constant vigilance against martial law; govt takeover of firms doubtful

From the office of Anakpawis Rep.Crispin Beltran
News Release September 25, 2005


Solon calls for constant vigilance against creeping martial law; expresses incredulity over reported government plans of take-over of vital industries

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the strongest vigilance and watchfulness are necessary to defend Filipinos’ democratic and civil rights against any and all attempts of the beleaguered Macapagal-Arroyo administration. He said that the denials of the various Malacanang spokespersons that Pres. Arroyo has no intention of imposing martial law should not be accepted at face value.

“We cannot trust the word of this government much less it’s highest official who has already been caught cheating and lying again and again, but still refuses to resign from office,” he said. He pointed out that the spokespersons of the former Marcos dictatorship also fell all over themselves telling the public that there will be no martial law, but only a few days later, martial law was declared by then president Marcos.“Pres. Arroyo will say and do anything to remain in power. The greed for power is so strong in her that she will lie through anything to stay in Malacanang.”

Beltran said that the attempts of Malacanang to pacify the public will not work because already Malacanang has declared a virtual crackdown on street protests and similar democratic forms and expressions of legitimate political dissent. “This has all the makings of martial law. In regions surrounding the NCR, participants to rallies are already being blocked by police and military forces and their leaders harassed. Only last September 22, a ranking leader of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) in Southern Tagalong, Diosdado Fortuna was killed, and the perpetrators are strongly suspected of being from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).”

In the meantime, Beltran expressed incredulity for the explanations of Justice secretary Raul Gonzales and Malacanang spokesperson Ignacio Bunye that it’s not martial law Pres. Arroyo plans to implement but a government take-over of private firms such as those in oil and electricity.

“Let them out their money where their mouths are. We challenge them to impose a swift and decisive take-over of Petron and Meralco, and immediately reverse the deregulation and privatization policies in vital industries in the economy. Will they defy big business and foreign investors for the good of the national economy and consumers? It not likely that Macapagal-Arroyo will do this. Her biggest supporters come from the ranks of big business, and it’s also to them that she promised imposing a crackdown on protests and amendments to the Philippine Constitution,” he said.

In any case, Beltran challenged Pres. Arroyo to order Congress to fast-track bills repealing the oil deregulation law and nullifying the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and immediately put Meralco and Petron under a nationalization program wherein both companies will be completely operated and managed by the national government. He said that progressive party-lists Anakpawis, Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women’s Party have already filed pills on the same concerns. “Petron and Meralco should be the first to be nationalized, and the prices of oil products and rates of electricity immediately brought down. Nationalist economists and research institutions already have prepared blueprints for a nationalization program of both companies and the industries they belong to as well. The repeal of oil deregulation and electricity privatization policies have long been the demand of consumers, but Malacanang has refused point blank to act on these demands,” he said. #

NR0924:Ka Bel to Imelda: Bury your husband and apologize to the Filipino people

From the office of Anakpawis Rep.Crispin Beltran
News Release September 24, 2005


Ka Bel to Imelda—Bury your husband and apologize to the Filipino for the 20 years of your joint dictatorship

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran, a former political detainee under the Marcos dictatorship, today said he has lost all patience for Mrs. Imelda Marcos and her relentless campaign to have her husband the former strongman ousted president Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Beltran said that Mrs. Marcos’ continuing pleas and demands to the incumbent administration that her family be allowed at last to put Marcos’ body to rest in the heroes’ landmark cemetery have become tedious and infuriating, especially given recent developments wherein the Macapagal-Arroyo government is all set to ‘do a Marcos’ and impose martial law.

“Mrs. Marcos continues to demand the royal treatment from the Filipino people, and its brutal punishment for those who suffered under her and her husband’s joint dictatorship to see that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration is being pliant to her requests. It’s a slap on the face of all of Marcos’ victims and survivors that the Arroyo government continues to entertain her and her demands, while up to this day justice is being those the hundreds of survivors of the dark days of the Marcos dictatorship,” he said.

“Imelda, bury your husband in an ordinary cemetery and apologize to the Filipino people,” he demanded.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that the nightmare of the Marcos dictatorship is now being relived by Filipinos. “Macapagal-Arroyo doesn’t even have to declare martial law for authoritarian rule to be imposed. Already, the police and military forces are attacking rallies and making illegal arrests left and right. The recent ban on protests and rallies is all too reminiscent of martial law. Macapagal-Arroyo is now operating on Marcos’ rules of political suppression and repression,” he said.

“What rubs the salt deeper into our wounds is constantly seeing the widow Imelda make her public pleas on behalf of her family for the dead dictator and hearing Marcos Jr say that it’s his family who has been persecuted and it’s their rights that are being violated. This is too much,” he said.

“The Filipino people defeated Marcos, they will also defeat his female clone Gloria Arroyo,” he concluded.#

NR0924:Marcos dictatorship survivor says never again to martial law

From the office of Anakpawis Rep.Crispin Beltran
News Release September 24, 2005


Marcos dictatorship survivor-solon says Never Again to Martial Law : “Macapagal-Arroyo joining the roster of the world’s fascist dictators”

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran to said that should Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo push through with its plans to impose martial law, the militant and progressive forces in Philippine society will rise the challenge and defeat her and put an end to her regime once and for all. “Macapagal-Arroyo is evidently hell-bent on craving a niche for herself in the gallery of worst traitors to Philippine democracy. Already she has already secured for herself a reputation of being a Marcos clone with her increasingly worsening record of human rights violations. The moment she declares martial law, she seals her infamy in posterity,” he said.

The martial law veteran and labor leader turned activist lawmaker said that the Filipino people survived the Marcos dictatorship, and they will survive and emerge victorious over the Macapagal-Arroyo regime. He said, however, that this time around, in the face of the Arroyo administration’s rising tyranny and burgeoning dictatorship, Filipinos will not let 20 years pass before defeating the rising dictatorship.

“Again and again we say – never again to martial law. There is no way that we will allow the incumbent corrupt and illegitimate president to subject the Filipino people to the dark days of authoritarian rule. We urge the members of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defy any and all plans of Pres. Arroyo to impose martial law and suspend all democratic and human rights,” he said.

“We appeal to the members of the PNP and AFP and their sense of reason and patriotism as well as to whatever remaining respect they have for human rights to stand up against any attempt to declare martial rule,” he said. “All Filipinos should unite against martial law.”

Beltran in the meantime said that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) stand supporting the government’s ban on protests and rallies was most condemnable and unfortunate. He said that the CBCP’s leadership was unwittingly allowing themselves to become party to the government’s calibrated attacks against the Filipino people’s civil liberties and democratic rights. He appealed to the more enlightened members of the CBCP to speak out against the CBCP leadership’s support for the government’s crackdown on civil rights.

“The CBCP should not aid and abet this corrupt, illegitimate and fascistic government in further undermining the welfare of the Filipino people. The Catholic church in the Philippines should instead provide inspiring leadership to the Filipino people at this time of intense political turmoil and economic chaos. Unity should be forged between all democratic forces in Philippine society to defeat the Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s relentless and vicious attacks against genuine democracy – the democracy that’s living and breathing in the streets of Ayala, EDSA and Mendiola and demanding the removal of Pres. Arroyo,” he said. #

NR0923:On GMA's crackdown on protests

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 23, 2005


Solon says GMA crackdown against rallies will not stop them: the more she tries to impose political repression, the harder the people will fight back

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can talk tough and act tough all she wants, but it will do anything to settle the political crisis in her favor. If anything, Beltran said, her once-more rising arrogance and hardline stance against the exercise of civil liberties and democratic rights will fuel the protests against her. He called on all civil libertarians to unite in opposing the president's ban on protests on the grounds that it was a curtailment of civil liberties and demoratic rights -- the freedom of assembly, expression, and to express dissent and petition the government to address the people's grievances.

“All the more reason to demand her removal from Malacanang. Not only is she an illegitimate and corrupt president, she’s a human rights violator as well. Her giving the go-signal to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other armed forces of the government including the military to crack down on protests and protestors further exposes her desperation to cling to power. It also reveals the extent of her fear against the consistently growing public sentiment directed against her,” he said.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that Mrs. Arroyo’s justifications for calling for a crackdown on protests were transparently self-serving and hypocritical. When she was still vice-president and the protests were against then president Joseph Estrada, she did not make a peep; much less when masses of people were already gathering at EDSA and Mendiola. Now since the protests are directed against her, she’s anti-rally,” he pointed out.

“She wants to put a stop to the protests not so much because of the inconsequential traffic blockages these cause, but because the rallies expose how widely unpopular she is and how loud the public clamor is for her removal. She wants to assure the foreign creditors, inventors and God knows who else she and her anti-people government are beholden to that she is in charge and the crisis is over. We are out to prove her dead wrong.”

Labor leader shot and killed in Canlubang, Laguna

In the meantime, the activist lawmaker denounced the government anew saying that it is directly responsible for the brutal killing of labor leader Diosdado “Ding’ Fortuna.

Fortuna, 51, was shot dead at 6pm last night by unknown assailants in Canlubang, Laguna. He was the chairman of the labor federation PAMANTIK-KMU in Southern Tagalog; Anakpawis-ST chairman, a vice-chairperson of the National Coalition for the Protection of Workers Rights (NCPWR) and the president of the union of Nestle workers in Canlubang.

He was shot twice in the chest and died on the spot.

Beltran said that Fortuna’s killing was politically motivated, and that even as investigations into the circumstance surrounding his brutal murder are underway, he expressed certainty that the perpetrators are either from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Southern Tagalog, the management of Nestle Philippines, or a coordinated effort of both parties. As chairman of Anakpawis National Political Party in Southern Tagalog, Fortuna was active in exposing the anti-worker policies of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration as implemented by the labor department under Patricia Sto. Tomas. He was also at the forefront of protests in Southern Tagalog demanding the pull-out of AFP troops from the region, and the removal of Macapagal-Arroyo from office. He was a union organizer, coordinating various factory unions all over the region including those in the export-processing zones.

“We demand justice for Ka Fort,” he said. “His murder shatters all illusions the government peddles that there is industrial peace in the country.” Beltran said that he is filing a resolution in Congress investigating the killing of the labor leader as well as paying tribute to his life.#

NR0922:Cha cha commission waste of money, its work results already a foregone conclusion

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran
News Release September 22, 2005


Solons slams Charter Commission as waste of public funds: commission’s output already a foregone conclusion, but still Filipinos will not support Charter Change

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the Constitutional Commission Malacanang is forming, being constituted of mostly pro-administration individuals and representing pro-Charter change organizations, cannot be expected to be produce any objective input regarding the Filipino people’s genuine sentiments towards amending the Constitution.

“This is a rah-rah group for Malacanang and its cha cha agenda. What can we expect from it but to come up with a study that supposedly justifies the need to amend the charter? This commission is a waste of public funds,” he said. “Already millions have been spent on the government’s contract with the US-based Venable LLP and the cha cha lobby. Now here’s another drain, however small, on the government’s budget, and the results of the commission’s work is already a foregone conclusion. This commission should be dismantled even before it puts up office.”

“Malacanang and its allies in Congress should drop the charter change agenda because Filipinos are deadest against it. There are more urgent and crucial issues Filipinos are concerned with, such as overthrowing a corrupt and illegitimate presidency that has done nothing to stop the oil price hikes even as it imposes new regressive taxes on the poor. Charter change is the farthest thing from the people’s minds. Apart from this, the amendments Malacanang and its rah-rah boys and girls in Congress supporting cha cha are proposing are the contents of the wish list of foreign investors and creditors. We have not heard a single proposed amendment that will protect the national economy from the abuses of big business and their destructive greed for profit,” he said.

The veteran labor leader said that if there were any amendments to the Charter that should be made, it should be to strengthen its protectionist provisions and prohibit the ownership or even mere lease of foreign firms in vital industries and sectors such as electricity, oil, water, mining, agriculture, telecommunications, transportation, banking and finance. He said that these were the main areas of the economy that should be protected and their running and management should be nationalized.

“But these are also precisely what Malacanang wants to completely open to the plunder of foreign businesses. Charter change proponents are committing treason with their lobbying for the removal of all provisions protecting the country’s economic sovereignty and independence. They’re putting up the country and its resources including the country’s laborers up for sale at the cheapest, bargain prices,” he said.

He also said that small and locally-owned businesses will be driven bankrupt. “Cha cha proponents are also proposing 100% liberalization of retail trade businesses. Millions of small shops and cottage industries will be affected. The liberalization of ownership of land will also kill the country’s agriculture and worsen food insecurity as foreign companies will put up farms devoted to cash crops for export. Millions of farmers and their families will be driven from their lands under full-scale land conversion,” he said. #

Nr0922:Gonzales protecting big names with his silence; charge him at the Ombudsman's

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran
News Release September 22, 2005


Security Adviser Gonzales protecting big, known names with his silence; should be charged at the Ombudsman

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that since National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales was deliberately being obtuse regarding queries into the controversial contract he and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo forged with the US-based lobby firm Venable LLP, he should be fired from his post and charged at the Office of the Ombudsman for abuse of authority and deliberate obfuscation of the truth behind the said contract and circumstances surrounding its negotiations.

“Gonzales is protecting some very big names, and this, most likely, is what is keeping him mum,” he said. “Quite possibly Gonzales has already been instructed by Malacanang as well as the secret backers and so-called ‘benefactors’ of the charter change lobby to keep his mouth shut, nevermind that he gets cited for contempt by the Senate.”

Beltran said that it was his hunch that the backers of the cha cha lobby were big names in the business community with close partnerships with foreign corporations. “Quite possibly there also ranking politicians with millions of money to spare just to ensure that their charter change agenda is pushed forward. This would narrow done the possibilities as to whom Gonzales is protecting with his silence.”

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that the Office of the Ombudsman led by Atty. Simeon Marcelo should be prepared to receive a hailstorm of charges against Gonzales. “Where else can Gonzales be compelled to speak? He has the temerity and stubbornness to refuse giving straight and definite answers to senators. This issue should go straight to the Ombudsman,” he said. “In the meantime, Gonzales should be immediately suspended from his post.”

Main accountability still rests with PGMA

“But it’s not just Gonzales who is privy to the information on the Venable deal. The president herself Mrs. Arroyo is clearly aware of who the main backers of charter change are. “The president has neither confirmed nor denied any knowledge regarding the Venable contract; but if she denies knowing anything about it, it would imply that she’s really letting underlings take action behind her back.”

“On the hand, if she admits knowledge, she should also be compelled to reveal the details surrounding the contract and its forging. After all, the contract was between her government and Venable, and the main responsibility of accounting for it still rests on her shoulders,” he concluded.#

NR0921:US report on Noli a challenge for him to take a stronger stand against US meddling

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 21, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
rep_crispin_beltran@yahoo.com.ph anakpawis_partylist@yahoo.com


US Embassy report should challenge the Vice-President to take a stronger stand against US meddling in Philippine internal affairs; abandon Arroyo camp

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today challenged Vice-President Noli de Castro to take a strong stand against the US Embassy and the economic and political interests in represents in the country. This in the light of the recent expose of the US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Joseph Mussomeli’s report to Washington.

“This is a very good chance for the vice-president to speak up on behalf of the Filipino people and denounce US meddling in the Philippines’ economic, political and military affairs,” he said. “While it is true that he has shown neither fire nor fervor in his post, he can at least take a stand as a Filipino and speak out against the United States’ relentless interference which has resulted to the Philippines remaining backward and pre-industrial,” he said.

Beltran said that while it is true that it his mostly his popularity as a tv broadcaster that helped him become senator and then vice-president, de Castro as not shown any genuine leadership or expressed any definitive stand on crucial issues affecting the country. He has remained mostly in the shadow, and this has given the widespread impression of his political mediocrity.

“But a challenge is now rising to Mr. de Castro to use his popularity for the common good. He should abandon the Macapagal-Arroyo camp and join the protests against her corrupt and illegitimate government, even as he should renounce any plans or ambitions to succeed Mrs. Arroyo in office,’ he said.

“The US embassy’s report on his ineptness is by far the most insulting thing against his person and his office, and the vice-president should now shake off his lethargy and speak out against US meddling – if only to defend the Philippines’ political sovereignty.”

The veteran labor leader turned legislator also pointed out that given the US’ assessment of de Castro’s skills and capabilities, it’s dead certain that the US will never support a de Castro presidency. He said that this should also make de Castro stand up and denounce the continuing influence of the US in the Philippines’ governance. “Mussomeli’s report exposes how hands-on the US is when it comes to monitoring and influencing internal political affairs. This should at least give de Castro a valuable lesson in politics.” #

Nr0921:Solon demands audit of DFA budget for exec's houses

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 21, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
rep_crispin_beltran@yahoo.com.ph
anakpawis_partylist@yahoo.com


Solon questions Foreign Affairs 2005 budget proposal allowing exorbitant allowances for consul generals and ambassadors’ housing needs

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that he will question the proposal of the Department of Foreign Affairs for the 2006 fiscal year, saying that the budget was mostly concentrated in the Office of the Secretary. The DFA’s budget is pegged at P5.29B, and 80% of the said amount or P4.13B is directed for spending for consular and diplomatic services. Included in these funds are the expenses of embassies and offices of the consulates general.

“It’s shocking how much money the Philippine government spends for the board and lodging of DFA officials,’ he said, saying that the Office of the secretary’s allocations for the repair and or purchase of land for the residencies of Philippine consuls and ambassadors increased by 33.16% (2005: P188.53M, 2006: 251.06M). He compared this to the P16 M allocation for the housing projects of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

“I am well aware how our consuls and generals need to have apartments or even houses in the countries where they are deployed – but is it really necessary that they leave in virtual palaces or 5-star hotel – like apartments?,” he asserted. He shared reports made by Migrante International that Consul General to New York Cecilia Rebong receives US$10,000 or roughly P550,000 for the monthly rent of her flat in the high-end Trump Plaza building in Manhattan. He also said that RP Ambassador to the Italy, Philippe Lhuillier who reportedly spends US$10,000 to $12,000 for a rented house in Rome, while RP Consul general in Hong Kong Corazon Belmonte is allowed to spend $1.5M (Hong Kong dollars) for her house.

Beltran said that apart from questioning them in the budget hearings, he is filing a resolution questioning these expenses of foreign affairs officials for their living quarters. He said that the DFA’s informal policy that certain diplomats are given latitude and allowed an allowance for living quarters that are slightly higher than the limit set for each diplomatic post. There is a policy in the DFA regarding housing allowances stated in the Overseas and Living Quarters Allowance Indices. He said that the Commission on Audit should also look into these expenses.

Finally, Beltran said that even as the DFA is allowed to spend millions on the housing needs of its officials living abroad, the department’s funds for legal services remain measly, pegged at only P14.95M. “Hundreds of overseas Filipino workers get tangled in various legal difficulties in the course of their work abroad because of the unfair and inhumane treatment of their employers and discrimination of migrant labor offices in the host countries. The Philippine government is mostly ill-equipped to rescue our kababayans because of the low allocations for migrant support in the form of counseling, legal help, and even assistance for stranded Filipinos to enable them to return home to the Philippines,” he said. #

NR0920:2 releases on the budget of the office of the VP; Sept 21 protests

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 20, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff


Solon slams Office of the Vice-President’s moves to increase “Happy-Happy Funds” while allocations for urban poor housing and related needs are slashed in proposed 2006 GAA

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today questioned the Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s proposal for the 2006 budget, saying that in the proposed GAA, the funds for the Office of the vice-president is being increased by 54.98% compared to the budget it has for 2005 (2005:P84.38 M, P130.78M). He said that the Office of the Vice-president’s budget allocation for Ceremonial Functions and Technical services have also been increased by almost 100% (2005: P47.5M, for 2006, P93.29M). “There’s also a whopping P6M being allotted to the Office of the VP for confidential and intelligence expenses,” he said.

“What is vice-president Noli de Castro intending to do for the next year if he remains vice-president – throw a lot of parties and other society functions? Considering that the budget for housing and community development for 2006 is only 0.26% of the proposed GAA (P2.75B), why does he get to spend P93 M just to hold banquets and parties?. As for the intelligence and confidential fund, it’s unfathomable how Mr. de Castro would use such a large amount.”

The veteran labor leader said that Mr. de Castro is supposedly in charge of the government’s urban poor housing affairs, “but judging from the budget being allotted for this, it doesn’t seem like the vice-president is all that eager to do a good job and provide the country’s millions of homeless and disenfranchised with decent homes,” he said. “Even now, the country’s urban poor are demanding his immediate resignation on the grounds of incompetence when it comes to serving their needs, but high efficiency when it comes to negotiating with big land developers and private real estate agencies.”

At first glance, the allocations for housing and Community development grew by 58.29%; but this increase is mostly going to the funds for general administration and support services, along with the computations for the P21.90 M fund for Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund and Compensation adjustment for government employees, and the P1 B for the funds for the Home Insurance and Guaranty Corporation which should have been released long before. The budget for the programs of he Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) was slashed by P0.63%. Worse, the budget for its housing projects were decreased by P30.40% -- from P23.68 M for 2005, the budget for 2006 has been reduced to P16.48M. Over-all, the budget for the HUDCC which de Castro heads has decreased by 9.81%. (2005: P70.34 M, proposed in the 2006:P63.44M).

“Over-all, the allocations for urban poor housing and other related concerns are being slashed left and right. The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) is getting only P49.29M for 2006. While there appears to be an increase of 0.41% in the GAA, the truth is that the Total Available Appropriations for the agency has decreased by 8.9%, because its allocation under Automatic Appropriation has decreased, and it has nothing under Continuing Appropriations,” he said.

Beltran also pointed out that the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor ‘s (PCUP) budget has also been decreased by 1.96% (decrease in the Total Available Appropriations). The agency is only getting P47.53M. “What is even more infuriating apart from the budget cuts is that agency’s have been reduced to being facilitators and clearing houses for demolition operations against urban poor communities instead of providing assistance for the shelter security needs of the residents of said communities,” he said. #


PGMA’s human rights violations the same quality of those perpetrated by the Marcos dictatorship; imposition of anti-terror measures and compromises with ex cronies and heirs of the dictator grave injustice against Filipinos

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that he will join tomorrow’s nationally-coordinated protests directed against the increasingly worsening fascist character and political repression of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration. Tomorrow also marks the anniversary of the declaration of martial law on Sept. 21, 1972 .

Beltran, a former political prisoner imprisoned during the height of the Marcos dictatorship, said that Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has succeeded in following the footsteps of Marcos. “As commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), her record of human rights violations is almost on par with Marcos. Thousands of urban poor, workers, farmers and human rights and political activists have been harassed, illegally abducted and killed in cold-blood under the administration of Macapagal-Arroyo, and not a single one of these victims and their surviving families have been given justice. None of the direct and immediate perpetrators of the these brutal human rights violations have been arrested much less punished. Pres. Arroyo has said and done nothing regarding these killings.”

He also said that none of the victims of the Marcos dictatorship have also been given just indemnification, much less official state recognition. “Despite Malacanang’s denials, it’s evident that there have been various compromises with the Marcos cronies and heirs, particularly with the widow Imelda and tycoon Danding Cojuanco,’ he said.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that the poised railroading of the anti-terrorism bill in Congress and the imposition of the national ID system were added proof the increasingly militarist attitude of the administration vis-à-vis confronting the political and economic crisis. He said that Malacanang aims to quash the protests directed against the corrupt and illegitimate presidency by using both brute police and military force coupled with legalized political repression.

“The anti-terrorism bill is nothing but an excuse to justify increased control over the so-called democratic space and put narrow limits of what remains of Filipino civil, political and human rights,” he said. “Both the proposed anti-terror law and the national ID system are throwbacks to the time of the Marcos dictatorship, apart from being measures being imposed by the meddling US government in the name of its racist and chauvinist war against terrorism,” he said.

Beltran said that Filipinos are now gearing for protests to remove Pres. Arroyo from Malacanang. “There are just, moral and even legal grounds to demand her removal from office. The sorry state of human rights in the country alone is enough basis to call for her resignation. That, coupled with the speedily deteriorating economic welfare of the majority should be enough reason for Filipinos to unite against her and call for her ouster,” he concluded.#

NR0919:US spy report on military restiveness at least accurate

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 19, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
rep_crispin_beltran@yahoo.com.ph
anakpawis_partylist@yahoo.com
cp number 09213907362 geocities.com/ap_news


Solon says US intelligence report on restive military is at least accurate; US spying on RP political, military affairs not new

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that he was not at all surprised with reports that the United States was keeping close tabs on developments in the Philippines’ political and military affairs. “The US is expected to monitor the Philippines quite closely given the US’ deep-seated economic and political interests in the region. The Philippine government led by Macapagal-Arroyo is most probably the most loyal among all of the US’ so-called allies in the world, and the US wants to make sure that the Philippines remains subservient to American interests,” he said. He pointed out, however, that the US embassy’s reports that there were planned coup de etats that did not materialize in the recent months, should, however, be confirmed.

“Where is the US embassy getting all this information but from insiders in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the AFP’s intelligence network? What is more important, however, is to determine what the US intends to do should any coup de etat take place and whether or not it will support these military take-overs,” he said. “The US’ behind-the-scenes but sometimes overt influence over political developments in the country has been already exposed time and again, but the Philippine government has done nothing but welcome this meddling. Malacanang and its allies have no one to blame or criticize for this but itself. The US intelligent report on growing dissent within the military ranks is at least quite accurate. As for the supposed coup plans, we have no way of knowing that unless Malacanang can compel the US embassy to reveal its sources regarding such reports.“

Beltran said that it was no secret that the Arroyo administration continues to pour billions of taxpayer’s funds on efforts to spy on the citizenry and improve the intelligence capability of the AFP – “including seeking the help of foreign intelligence and research groups,” he said. “The plot to railroad an anti-terrorism bill as well as the imposition of a national ID system are part and parcel of their efforts to legalize spying on public officials and ordinary citizens alike,” he said.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that with or without the US report on plots for a military take-over, there is no way that the public will support a military-headed leadership to take-over the Arroyo presidency on the event of its downfall. He said that the power and superiority of civilian rule must always take precedence over any military force.

“Without doubt, the rank and file and young officers of the AFP have well-established and justified grounds for agitating against the incumbent administration and its shameless corruption. This is why they are being encouraged to put their support behind the broadening civilian-led movement demanding truth and justice against the corrupt and illegitimate Arroyo presidency,” he said. “Coup de etats will only be short-lived, and will not be supported by the public. Their best bet would be to unite with the civilian organizations at the forefront of the campaign and protests for Arroyo’s removal and ouster via popular collective action,” he said.#

NR0919:Budget deficit due to corruption, loss revenues due to privatization, liberalization

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 19, 2005

Budgetary deficit due to widespread corruption in top government offices including the executive; 2006 budget reveals misplaced priorities and explanation why revenues are lost

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the assertion of Malacanang allies that the unliquidated cash advance of public officials and government employees was one of the reasons for the massive budget deficit of the government was a shameless excuse on the part of Malacanang. “The deficit in the national budget continues to grow because of the widespread corruption in the highest offices of government including the executive. Because the national government stubbornly insists on selling and privatizing vital industries which could, under a nationalized regime, generate billions of income for the government that could be funneled for genuine economic support services for the people, more income is lost and no revenues are generated,” he said.

“Unliquidated cash advances are drops of water compared to the sea of corruption in the government. The top executives in the various government departments and agencies have done essentially nothing to cut down on their personal expenses being projected on paper as professional expenses or expenditures incurred while performing their functions as officials,” he said. “They pass off their expenses for their own luxury cars, mansions and even trips abroad as professional in nature and thus should be shouldered by the department’s budget. On the other hand, it’s not fair to blame the rank and file government employees whose benefits and salaries have not increased or increased in the last five years,” he said.

In the meantime, the veteran labor leader turned legislator that the most cursory glance of the proposed budget for the 2006 fiscal year was enough to convince anyone of the twisted priorities of the national government, and provide possible explanations as to why the economy continues to deteriorate. “The national government’s program of privatization and economic liberalization are the core of the destruction of local industries and the loss of jobs and livelihood for millions of Filipinos and potential taxpayers. Big businesses also to continue their tax-holidays and other perks which result to the govenrment’s losing of billions of potential revenues,” he said.#

NR0917:Cha cha connivance between foreign business and treasonous RP government

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran
News Release September 17, 2005


Charter change agenda exposed as connivance between foreign big business and treasonous Philippine government

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that reports that foreign creditors and investors were avidly waiting for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to push for amendments to the Philippine Constitution gives credence to arguments that charter change was nothing but a plot of big business in league with Malacanang to destroy all remaining protectionist provisions in the Constitution. He said that Pres. Arroyo also stands to be ousted for this. “Daily she gives the Filipino people reason to demand her swift removal from Malacanang. What we have is an illegitimate leader who has no qualms about selling the nation to even the lowest bidders, and surrendering military and political authority to the United States,” he said.

“The transnationals and multinationals are salivating to take-over the country and its resources. Malacanang is essentially offering the Philippines and everything in it up for sale,” he said. “There is no local or national clamor for charter change. Filipinos do not want to amend the charter for the same reasons as Malacanang. They will benefit nothing from the amendments Malacanang wants imposed, but they stand to lose all, ” he said.

Beltran said that the scandal that has recently erupted over the controversial multi-million dollar contract President Arroyo and National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales forged with the US-based Venable LLP public relations and law group is certain to blow up against the president in the coming days. He said that patriotic and nationalist forces are already outraged by this secret contract wherein the Philippine government paid top-dollar to have a foreign group lobby for crucial changes in the Constitution that will have permanent effects on the country’s economic and political sovereignty.

“For all the attempts of cha cha proponents that amending the Constitution is for the good of the nation, it’s now being exposed the cha cha amendments are mainly for the benefit of big foreign investors and creditors who want to plunder the country’s remaining sources and exploit the cheap and exploited labor policy to the hilt,” he said. “This is nothing less than treason – they’re turning over the country to foreign big business.”

“Who are these local businessmen and so-called private donors who funded the Philippine government’s lobby efforts? They should also be exposed as traitors to the country. They’re conniving with foreign entities including governments to change the highest law of the land and give them free reign over the country’s resources. All these underhanded moves to change the Charter are acts of treason and betrayal of national sovereignty and patrimony. Congress should drop all discussions on charter change and focus on the serious implications of this contract, and immediately act to rescind it. There will be hell to pay for this, “ he said. #

NR0915:Expose private donors and their interest in funding foreign lobby for Cha cha

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 16, 2005

Expose private donors funding multi-million dollar
Charter Change lobby; Governemnt keeping Cha cha
contract an act of treason

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said
that National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales’
explanation that the funding for the Philippine
government’s charter change lobby comes from private
donors does not mitigate or excuse the treasonous
nature of the agreement the government forged with the
US-bade lobby group Venable LLP.

“Gonzales is being thick-headed, as usual. This is
not just a matter of funding. There are more serious
issues concerned in this contract. The fact that the
Macapagal-Arroyo government chose to keep this
contract under wraps and to refuse revealing who these
mysterious private donors are only fuels more
speculations and doubts,” he said.

“Even the work and tasks of Venable for the Cha cha
lobby have been kept secret. Philippine lawmakers
don’t even know the specific amendments the national
government wants done on the Constitution, but now
it’s being exposed that the Venable people know and
they’re being paid millions of dollars to gather
support for these amendments,” he said. “This is
treason.”

“Gonzales should begin to name names as to who these
private donors are, and what it is in it for them to
shell out such massive amounts of money to support the
government’s demented charter change agenda.
There’s no doubt that these private donors, if they
really exist, expect to get very concrete gains from
their investment in the cha cha lobby; otherwise, they
wouldn’t have been so cavalier about investing in
it,” he said.

The veteran labor leader hazarded a guess that these
private donors belong to the local big business groups
in the country who have long-established dealings and
contracts with foreign multinationals and
transnationals who want to expand their businesses in
the Philippines but are hindered by the remaining
protectionist provisions in the 1987 Constitution.

“These donors, whoever they are, should be exposed
and their interest in charter change revealed,” he
said.

“In whatever case, the leadership in the House of
Representatives should drop all discussions on charter
change and instead focus on the controversial contract
between the Philippine government and Venable which is
costing the country $900,000 for 12 months. He also
said that investigations into the Arroyo
administration’s splurging on foreign PR groups and
research outfits are also in order.

“What we have here is a government with no
compunction against spending millions of taxpayers’
funds for public relations. Talk about severely
twisted priorities,” he said. “The charter change
agenda is clearly a comprehensive plot to amend the
highest law of the land and make it serve the business
and political interests of its proponents. This is all
being kept secret from the Filipino people because of
the treacherous nature of the proposals for amendments
which are certain to wrought even greater destruction
in the national economy and the welfare of the poor
and working people,” he said.#

controversial Charter Change lobbying contract with US firm

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 14, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
rep_crispin_beltran@yahoo.com.ph
anakpawis_partylist@yahoo.com
cp number 09213907362
geocities.com/ap_news


Solon demands investigations into controversial Charter Change lobbying contract with US firm; says contract should be dissolved

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that it was a national shame and scandal that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration was seeking financial assistance for Charter Change. Beltran said that the agreement signed by National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales on behalf of the Philippine government retaining retain the services of an American law firm to lobby for charter change in the U.S. government should be immediately investigated by Congress.

The contract was signed by Gonzales Jr. on July 25, the same day that Mrs. Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address and announced that "it is time to start the great debate on charter change. The contract and other disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice are by Venable LLP, the U.S. law firm that will get paid $75,000 per month plus expenses for one year. Beltran said that he is filing a resolution(Click here to download) calling for investigations into the contract and its immediate dissolution.

“The briefest description of the contract and its content already expose how pathetic the Arroyo government is in its desperation to secure foreign support for Charter change,” he said. “Is this why the Filipino people is being forced to pay more regressive taxes such as the EVAT? So we can pay foreign lobbying firms to push anti-people, anti-national agendas of the Philippine government abroad?”

“The Macapagal-Arroyo government is squandering millions of pesos to lobby the American government for its support for Charter Change. What does this imply for the country’s political and economic independence, the fact that our government is begging for American support for what is an internal issue affecting sovereignty?,” he asked. “This is what Congress should busy itself with – investigating the various anomalous and previously secret contracts the Macapagal-Arroyo government keeps signing with foreign governments. Considering that the national interest and the country’s immediate future is what we’re dealing with in the Charter Change issue, the Arroyo administration is acting without consulting the Filipino people on the matter.”

Beltran said that this latest expose affirms speculations that Mrs. Arroyo’s trip to New York was a mission of desperation as she will use the opportunity to seek the support of the United States government led by George W. Bush for her floundering administration.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that Mrs. Arroyo is most likely to approach US Pres. Bush to seek his word that he and his government will continue to stand by her administration. “There’ll be bargaining and haggling here, I bet. The US wants the Philippine government to impose an anti-terrorism law and to remove all remaining barriers to free trade and investment, thus giving foreign corporations full right to plunder Philippine resources. The new tax measures have already been railroaded and are poised for implementation upon the pressure of foreign creditors. Mrs. Arroyo will most likely issue more promises on the anti-terror bill and the complete lifting of tariffs on imported products as well the limit on foreign ownership of vital national industries. The Arroyo government has already shelled out millions for lobbying efforts on behalf of its Cha cha agenda,” he said.#

NR0915:Former Budget Sec. Boncodin urged to speak up on GMA's PR expenditures

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran
News Release September 15, 2005


Solon urges Budget Sec. Emilia Boncodin to break her silence and speak on her knowledge of Pres. Arroyos’ spending for foreign PR and lobby groups

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the reasons to demand the immediate resignation and/or removal via People Power of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were now overflowing. He said that Macapagal-Arroyo has been acting behind the Filipino people’s back and utilizing public funds for services of neither of use or benefit for the Filipino people. Beltran said that reports that the Arroyo administration spent almost P100 million for American lobbyists and public relations consultants from September 2001 to October 2003 are strong, compelling reasons to demand that Arroyo immediately step down.

Beltran also said that former Budget and Finance secretary Emilia Boncodin should be summoned to reveal all her knowledge regarding these expenditures.

“We hope that Ms.Boncodin will break her silence and give light to all these bewildering reports that the Philippine government has been using up public funs for PR work. I don’t remember any of these expenses coming up in the budget deliberations in connection with the Office of the President and its adjunct agencies,” he said. “None of these expenses have been accounted for or audited.”

“Pres. Arrroyo has betrayed public trust time and again, and squandered taxpayers’ funds on such self-serving endeavors whose impact, however, are deleterious to the national economy. Not since Imelda Marcos has there been a public figure who wasted so much of the Filipino people’s taxes on such self-serving, self-aggrandizing efforts.” he said.

Beltran said that Macapagal-Arroyo’s compulsion for hiring foreign lobby firms and consultants has caused the country no only billions of pesos, but the results of the lobbying have been categorically damaging to the Philippines.

“All this money spent on PR work and the levels of corruption in the government has not gone down, and neither has efficiency gone up. Government employee morale is very low, and restiveness in the military continues to worsen,” he said. “Pres. Arroyo should be made accountable for all these expenses. She should also be compelled to explain at the proper legal venue how and why she showed little or no compunction against spending billions on public relations, and how all this money was released,” he said. “Her allies in Congress cannot and will not be able to get out of this massive can of worms that’s been recently opened. These reports should be verified and investigated at the soonest possible time.”

Beltran and fellow Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano have already filed HR 945 calling for an inquiry into the Philippine government’s $900,000 contract with US-bade firm Venable LLP to lobby for the charter change agenda.

Beltran said that Macapagal-Arroyo should be made to explain where the billions used for PR relations and supposed research and lobbying came from. According to reports, the PR firm paid the highest paid was Burson-Marsteller (a total of $1,245,828.23 or P66 million) for promoting investments and travel to the Philippines and developing a "public relations program including media relations and research," and "distributing economic materials" from November 2001 to October 2003. Rhoads-Weber Shandwick assisted the Philippine Embassy in Washington and its defense attaché in meetings with "members of legislative branch communities in regard to matters related to Asia-Pacific security issues and military cooperation." It was paid a total of $154,056.65 (P8.2 million).

“All the while Macapagal-Arroyo has been demanding that the Filipino people scrimp and save, exhorting them to do their share in solving the economic crisis; yet now it’s again being exposed that she herself has been wasting public funds on mere PR management and relations. Where are all the results of this PR work? What we have on hand is a presidency that’s notorious and widely unpopular with its constituency; an economy that going swiftly downhill; and a serious crisis in governance,” he said.#

Nr0913:CBCP should heed the sentiments of the people; Bunye blaming the media again

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 13, 2005

CBCP leadership should stand on the side of truth and justice, support calls for the removal of PGMA from office

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today expressed hope that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will take to heart the sentiments of the Filipino people and support their call and campaign for the removal of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from Malacanang. He said that the murder of the impeachment complaint at the hands of Pres. Arroyo’s allies in Congress has made the political situation even more serious, as Filipinos have been left with no other alternative to take to the streets and join the mass protests against the corrupt and illegitimate presidency.

“It’s to be hoped that our good bishops and the leadership of the CBCP stand by the Filipino people’s stand against Pres. Arroyo and join them in their fight to remove a corrupt presidency. Pres. Arroyo’s stubborn refusal to step down from office is fuelling more political and civil unrest, given that Filipinos no longer recognize her leadership and are determined to replace her. There is no way to pacify a public much disgruntled and disgusted with a presidency that has been inutile in providing the Filipino people the necessary jobs and services to allow them to live productively and decently.”

The veteran labor leader turned activist lawmaker said that the CBCP can and should provide valuable support and guidance to the Filipino people if its members and leadership take a strong and definitive stand on the escalating political crisis gripping the nation. “We trust that the CBCP will decide on the side of truth and justice, and join the rest of the Filipino people in taking popular and collective action to correct the injustices inflicted by Pres. Arroyo,” he said.

Bunye blaming the media again

In the meantime, Beltran said that Malacanang spokesperson Ignacio Bunye’s tack to blame the media for the overwhelming opinion against Mrs. Arroyo as revealed by recent independent surveys was ridiculous.

“The media has only been reporting the corruption and abuses of the incumbent presidency, as well as the maneuvers being made by Pres. Arroyo’s allies in Congress to sidestep justice through impeachment,” he said.

“Bunye is floundering and looking for someone to pin the blame on, but he shouldn’t look very far because it’s his boss he should be pointing the finger at. All the cutesie photo-shoots of the president and the image overhaul will not change the public’s verdict on the illegitimate president. Daily the economic situation worsens, thus also exacerbating the already escalating political crisis. Filipinos don’t just want Arroyo out because of her electoral fraud and corruption, they want her out because she has done nothing to stop the oil price hikes, the electricity rate increases and the widespread joblessness.”#

NR0913:Pinoys would rather do the Macarena (Macapagal-Arroyo, Resign Na)than Cha cha

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 13, 2005

Filipinos would rather do the Macarena – Macapagal-Arroyo Resign Na – than the Cha Cha; Ramos’ warning of civil war laughable

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that former president Fidel V. Ramos’ assertion that there could be civil war if the Philippine Constitution is not immediately amended. Ramos reportedly said that without Charter Change of Cha cha, the country’s poverty levels will worsen.

“Ramos is singing his old song again, the same one that Filipinos refused to listen to way back in 1998 when he was still president and he was pushing the amendments to the Constitution so he could perpetuate himself in power and extend his presidency,” he said. “Ramos is trying to hold the country hostage to charter change and he’s floating these ridiculous ideas, barely-disguised threats to justify cha cha. It’s not going to work. It’s evident that Ramos and his protégé Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s reasons for pushing amendments to the Constitution are self-serving: they ant to deflect the nation’s attention from the political crisis and the call for Macapagal-Arroyo’s removal from office.”

“Isn’t Mr. Ramos already aware that there is already a civil war in the country, and that it is a revolt against poverty and exploitation? Ramos should know because he is one of the presidents who made sure that the Philippines will remain economically backward: it’s his Philippines 2000 and policies of deregulation, liberalization and privatization that landed the country in the deep economic mess it is in now. Ramos himself is responsible for the monopolization of independent power producers in the electricity industry – he signed those anomalous contracts,” he said.

The veteran labor leader turned activist legislator said that the Filipino people would much rather dance to the Macarena – Macapagal-Arroyo Resign Na – than to Cha cha. “The objectives and motives of those pushing for Charter Change are suspect. One the one hand, their justifications for Cha cha are all tied with the demands of foreign creditors and investors that the country remove all remaining legal barriers to the full liberalization of the economy. On the other hand, they want to amend the system of government to make it easier to control and dominate – quartering the country into small, supposedly federal local governments.”

“The Filipino people have nothing to gain from charter change and everything to lose. The likes of Macapagal-Arroyo, Ramos, and their allies in Congress pushing for cha cha cannot be expected to support amendments that will establish stronger protectionist policies, or advocating the full nationalization of all vital industries barring ownership of foreign investors. The amendments they want will without doubt plunge the country into deeper national mendicancy, stripping the country of all economic and political sovereignty,” he said.#

NR0912:No respect for anti-impeachment solons

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 12, 2005

Pro-Arroyo, anti-impeachment lawmakers cannot demand respect from Bishops or the public for what they did to the impeachment complaint

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the assertion of administration lawmakers that bishops and other religious should respect the decision of Congress to kill the impeachment complaint against Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was a futile request.

He said that administration lawmakers who voted against the amendment impeachment complaint and upheld the Justice Committee Report 1012 which as messy and lacking in truth and credibility cannot expect the bishops much less the Filipino people demanding Mrs. Arroyo’s removal from office to respect what they, the anti-impeachment solons did.

“What’s to respect about what they did? The anti-impeachment, pro-administration solons threw out a perfectly legitimate impeachment complaint without even allowing its full contents to be read and discussed. They made a mockery of the impeachment process, and since they could not morally defend what they did or even just bolster their opposition to the complaint using legal explanations, they imposed the tyranny of numbers and killed the complaint,” he said.

“No right-thinking Filipino who would saw the Justice Committee deliberations and the plenary debates on the committee report would say that what Congress did to the complaint is respectable. If anything, the conduct of the pro-administration lawmakers was appalling. They deliberately disregarded all arguments of truthfulness, credibility and even legality to kill the complaint.”

P3B budget cuts to fund Cha cha

In the meantime, the veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that the House appropriations committee’s statement that it’s eyeing P3-billion cuts in various agencies' allocations so that there will be money to pursue the administration's move for constitutional changes was a contentious issue.

“It’s highly anomalous that Congress would even consider cutting budgets for various departments and their services including those engaged in the provision of health, housing and education just to steamroll the campaign for charter change which no one supports,” he said. ”The complete lack of funds for it is the simplest and most practical reason why the Cha cha agenda should be junked. Besides, Filipinos would much rather dance the Macarena – or Macapagal Resign Na – and not Cha cha.” #

NR0912:GMA"s true agenda in the US; Noli as caretaker

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 12, 2005

The true purpose of PGMA’s vist to the US; leaving Noli as caretaker

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s trip to New York was a mission of desperation as she will use the opportunity to seek the support of the United States government led by George W. Bush for her floundering administration. Beltran said that the real purpose of Mrs. Arroyo’s visit was more serious that just Arroyo attending the 2005 World Summit or the Asean-United Nations Summit.

“This is going to be a pretty jittery and somewhat mortifying trip for Pres. Arroyo. She will be facing other heads of state who are without doubt quite aware of what’s going on in the Philippines, including the strong public clamor for Mrs. Arroyo’s removal on the basis of corruption, electoral fraud and undermining of the people’s economic welfare,” he said. “She might put up a brave front and insist that crisis is over with the death of the impeachment complaint against her, but nothing can be farther from the truth.”

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that Mrs. Arroyo is most likely to approach US Pres. Bush to seek his word that he and his government will continue to stand by her administration. “There’ll be bargaining and haggling here, I bet. The US wants the Philippine government to impose an anti-terrorism law and to remove all remaining barriers to free trade and investment, thus giving foreign corporations full right to plunder Philippine resources. The new tax measures have already been railroaded and are poised for implementation upon the pressure of foreign creditors. Mrs. Arroyo will most likely issue more promises on the anti-terror bill and the complete lifting of tariffs on imported products as well the limit on foreign ownership of vital national industries,” he said.

In the meantime, Beltran said that Pres.Arroyo’s statement that she is leaving Vice-President Noli de Castro as caretaker was of no consequence. “Mr. de Castro like Arroyo has no credibility to lead. For the most part, judging from his lackluster performance and dumb silence on the mounting economic problems of the country - not to mention the escalating political crisis – he is mostly a token vice-president, and now a mere symbolic figure and stand in for the president,” he said.

“Mr. de Castro has remained mum all this time, and it’s not at all a credit to him or to his prudence. The Philippines is in a political uproar and the economic crisis steadily worsening but he has not said or done anything by way of offering solutions. There is no way that he should be allowed to ascend to higher office- - he does not even deserve to occupy the position he has now. Needless to say, we do not expect great things from the vice-president,” he said.#

NR0912:GMA"s true agenda in the US; Noli as caretaker

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release September 12, 2005

The true purpose of PGMA’s vist to the US; leaving Noli as caretaker

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s trip to New York was a mission of desperation as she will use the opportunity to seek the support of the United States government led by George W. Bush for her floundering administration. Beltran said that the real purpose of Mrs. Arroyo’s visit was more serious that just Arroyo attending the 2005 World Summit or the Asean-United Nations Summit.

“This is going to be a pretty jittery and somewhat mortifying trip for Pres. Arroyo. She will be facing other heads of state who are without doubt quite aware of what’s going on in the Philippines, including the strong public clamor for Mrs. Arroyo’s removal on the basis of corruption, electoral fraud and undermining of the people’s economic welfare,” he said. “She might put up a brave front and insist that crisis is over with the death of the impeachment complaint against her, but nothing can be farther from the truth.”

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that Mrs. Arroyo is most likely to approach US Pres. Bush to seek his word that he and his government will continue to stand by her administration. “There’ll be bargaining and haggling here, I bet. The US wants the Philippine government to impose an anti-terrorism law and to remove all remaining barriers to free trade and investment, thus giving foreign corporations full right to plunder Philippine resources. The new tax measures have already been railroaded and are poised for implementation upon the pressure of foreign creditors. Mrs. Arroyo will most likely issue more promises on the anti-terror bill and the complete lifting of tariffs on imported products as well the limit on foreign ownership of vital national industries,” he said.

In the meantime, Beltran said that Pres.Arroyo’s statement that she is leaving Vice-President Noli de Castro as caretaker was of no consequence. “Mr. de Castro like Arroyo has no credibility to lead. For the most part, judging from his lackluster performance and dumb silence on the mounting economic problems of the country - not to mention the escalating political crisis – he is mostly a token vice-president, and now a mere symbolic figure and stand in for the president,” he said.

“Mr. de Castro has remained mum all this time, and it’s not at all a credit to him or to his prudence. The Philippines is in a political uproar and the economic crisis steadily worsening but he has not said or done anything by way of offering solutions. There is no way that he should be allowed to ascend to higher office- - he does not even deserve to occupy the position he has now. Needless to say, we do not expect great things from the vice-president,” he said.#