NR1028:Ramos plotting against GMA; Palparan the monster

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 28, 2005


On Ramos plotting against GMA

Anakpawis Representtaive Crispin Beltran said that the latest US intelligence report pinpointing former president Gen.Fidel Ramos to a coul plot aimed at removing the illegitimate incumbent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was not surprising. He said that Ramos does have the motives and the means to push for a military take-over and have himself installed in Malacanang.

“Ramos is a tricky power player, adept at subtly hiding his own political intentions and motives. His rescue of Macapagal-Arroyo in July could only have been a delaying tactic so he could buy more time not for Macapagal-Arroyo but for himself as he also prepares his own plans to grab leadership. There’s nothing we can put pass Ramos,” he said.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator that at this juncture, it was clear that Macapagal-Arroyo was desperately dependent on Ramos. “Without Ramos’ support, it’s highly likely that Macapagal-Arroyo’s severely weakened presidency would’ve collapsed. Ramos is the one providing the backbone to Macapagal-Arroyo. Now, with the expose that Ramos might well be the central plotter against Macapagal-Arroyo, it would be interesting to see if there will be a shift in the relationship between Arroyo and her declared mentor Ramos.”


On Jovito Palparan’s monstrosities

“Brig. Gen. Jovito Palparan is a lunatic. He’s cast in the same mold as the Hitler and Jack the Ripper. There’s something terribly, psychologically wrong with this man masquerading as an officer and gentleman. His continued attacks against political activists and his campaign of mass murder puts him in the same league as the most brutal monsters in history,” Beltran said.

“Palparan has not made a single categorical denial that he condones and even applauds the relentless attacks against the members of progressive partylists and people’s organizations. All circumstances and accounts point towards his accountability for the brutal killing of activists in Central Luzon and previously in Eastern Visayas and Southern Tagalog. TheMacapagal-Arroyo administration is using him and his insane blood thirst to wreak death and destruction against unarmed civilians who are vocal in their opposition against the corrupt, illegitimate and politically repressive government.”

The activist solon said that Palparan should be immediately pulled out of the military service and taken to a mental institution. “It’s a vicious, unforgivable crime against humanity the Macapagal-Arroyo government is committing – letting loose such a monster among the civilian populace.”

Beltran slammed the statements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the New People’s Army was behind the murder of political activists including Hacienda Luisita union president Ric Ramos.

“The stupidity and lack of logic of the AFP is yet again in play. There is no way that the NPA could be behind this. Haven’t the AFP and the PNP even accused the NPA of being supporters of the Hacienda Luisita strike, and that the workers in the Hacienda are already members of the NPA? Now they’re saying that it’s the NPA who killed a much-loved, much respected labor leader. The very idea is preposterous and outrageous.”#

NR1027:Malacanang fears the CCAT; Bird flu outbreak to GMA's advantage

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


Malacananang staff exhibiting signs of instability -- reflecting the mindset of Macapagal-Arroyo and her staunch allies

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the shameful conduct of Emilio Magdangal of the Office of the Press Secretary did not come as a surprise given the climate of paranoia and increasing desperation in Malacanang. Magdangal tore up the summons delivered by leaders of the Citizens' Congress for Accountability and Truth (CCAT) yesterday.

"Magdangal is only exhibiting the symptoms of the admnistration and bosses he represents," Beltran said.

"His behavior -- along with the behavior of his immediate superiors including Malacanang spokesperson Ignacio Bunye -- is not surprising given how stressful the situation inside the Palace must be. Illegitimate president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is under siege, and the pressure for her to resign contiues to mount. It's no surprise that even underlings like Magdangal are becoming belligerent and throwing all pretense at diplomacy to the winds," he said."So much for the confidence of Malacanang to meet charges against it with dignity and decency."

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that Filipinos seeking truth and justice against the Macapagal-Arroyo administration's corruption will without doubt support the CCAT and its deliberations.

He said that the CCAT is the venue Filipinos are looking for wherein the details of Macapagal-Arroyo's lying, cheating and stealing will be exposed and judged.

"The Macapagal-Arroyo version rule of law has already been exposed as a sham as her allies in Congress threw out the impeachment complaint without even skimming its surface. Where Congress deliberately failed, the CCAT will succeed. It's long overdue that the full details of the various charges against Macapagal-Arroyo be discussed, and a people's verdict laid down."


Malacanang might use looming bird flu epidemic to its advantage

In the meantime, the veteran labor leader said that even as Filipinos should be made aware of the supposed looming threat of a bird flu outbreak, it's still crucial to divine the other motives of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration for hyping the supposed threat.

"This is a far cry from the previous handling and stance of the administration regarding a possible bird flu epidemic. It used to downplay the situation, focusing on efforts to convince the public that there's nothing to fear and that everything is under control. Now the government through the Department of Health is trying to shock Filipinos into fearing for their very lives because of the bird flu."

"It's not a farfetched idea that Malacanang is going to use the bird flu issue to deflect public attention from the worsening political crisis and the calls for the illegitimate president's removal. Diverting public attention from the political crisis and turning it on a possible health crisis would work well for Macapagal-Arroyo.The media will be forced to cover the bird flue issue instead of delving into the developments in the political situation. It will buy her some time. Suffice it to say, a bird flu epidemic is exactly what Malacanang needs. It wouldn't be surprising is Malacanang is actually praying for an outbreak," he said.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker, however, said that if a bird flu epidemic was sure to hit, Malacanang should immediately order a substantial wage and salary increase for all workers and rank and file govenrment employees. He said that the best way for the populace to survive this supposed imminent epidemic is if they were prepared beforehand.

"That means stocking up on the required medicine and having sufficient hospital and contingency funds. Majority of Filipinos are ill-equipped to deal with a medical crisis because of severe economic restrictions. Macapagal-Arroyo should order a wage and salry increase now, apart from ordering the immediate implementation of free medicine distribution program, especially to the urban and rural poor communities."

He also said that gauging from the red alert the DOH is issuing, the hospitals said to be upgraded in preparation for an imminent bird flu outbreak are not enough. Some 21 hospitals are said to be prepared to handle bird flue case -- among them the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City, San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, and the Davao Medical Center in Davao City.

"Macapagal-Arroyo and the DOH should immediately compel even the largest private hospitals in the country to prepare for the bird flu outbreak and order them to admit for free even indigent patients stricken with the flu. We can't have Filipinos being denied medical treatment just because they don't have money to pay for the services. The govenrment must ensure that the poor are fully assisted against this bird flu menace, or any deaths of Filipinos because of bird flu will be on its head, " he said.#

Nr1026:Cojuangcos must be made responsible for Ric Ramos' murder

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 26, 2005


Cojuangcos must be made responsible for Luisita union leader’s murder – Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that Rep. Noynoy Aquino’s statement that his family should not be responsible for the brutal killing of Hacienda Luisita labor leader Ricardo Ramos should not be believed.

“Rep. Aquino is trying to cover up for what the Cojuangcos have done and continue to do against the workers of Hacienda Luisita. It’s crucial that the circumstances surrounding and leading to the murder of Ric Ramos be determined, and we are confident that the Cojuangcos will also be found accountable for the murder.”

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that since the public’s attention has been deflected from the hacienda Luisita issue in the last few months, the Cojuangcos have taken advantage of the situation and initiated steps to undermine the union and the union members’ unity. It will be a grave dishonor to the memory of Ric Ramos and the other martyrs of the Hacienda Luisita massacre to allow the Cojuangcos to escape responsibility for the killings.” #

Nr1026:GMA shaking over pending investigations of CCAT

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 26, 2005


Solon says corrupt and illegitimate president already shaking in her boots over People’s Court

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today expressed full support for the Citizens’ Congress for Truth and Accountability (CCAT) and said that for all of the derision and attacks it will without doubt receive from Malacanang and its supporters, the very establishment of the CCAT is already a blow against the corrupt and illegitimate presidency.

“Even now, Macapagal-Arroyo is shaking in her petite boots and afraid of what be revealed and exposed during the CCAT investigations and trial. The Filipino people will welcome the CCAT’s efforts to discuss and deliberate on the various charges against Macapagal-Arroyo which were unjustly dismissed along with the infamous junking of the impeachment complaint in Congress. Filipinos have been waiting long for the full details of the surrounding the various charges and accusations against Macapagal-Arroyo, and they were denied the right to now when Arroyo’s allies in the house machinated to throw out the impeachment complaint against her without the charges being properly discussed,” he said.

“The CCAT will provide the venue for the truth to come out. Since Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies have shut the doors of Congress which is the supposed legal venue for investigations, the truth will find other ways to be revealed. The CCAT is 2000% more credible that the Constitutional Commission Arroyo has formed.”

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that the Filipino people’s righteous anger against the corrupt and anti-poor government will be substantiated and justified during the conduct of the CCAT. “The CCAT will be led and participated in by highly credible legal minds, leaders of people’s groups, and anti-corruption advocates. It will not be easy for Macapagal-Arroyo and her team of spin doctors to easily undermine the CCAT’s credibility, much less tear the Filipino people’s attention from the proceedings – especially when the shocking and outrageous details of Mrs. Arroyo’s corrupt doings begin to be exposed,’ he said.

“Macapagal-Arroyo is not safe. She will not recover from this political crisis and the only acceptable conclusion to this crisis is her removal from office. Her allies and various spokespersons can say all they want and do their worst, but they will not be able to save Macapagal-Arroyo from being ousted,’ he said. #

Nr1026:Luisita labor leader's murder linked to GMA plot to weaken militants' alliance w/Cory

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 26, 2005


Brutal killing of Haciernta Luisita Labor Union president Ric Ramos aimed at destroying alliance between Mrs. Cory Aquino and militant people’s organizations

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the murder of the president of the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Labor Union (CATLU) Ricardo Ramos 45, was the direct doing of the Macapagal-Arroyo admnistration through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Central Luzon under the command of Brig. Gen. Jovito Palparan. He said that the killing was without doubt politically motivated, and aimed at compromising and even destroying the alliance between former president Corazon Aquino and militant and progressive people’s organizations.

Ramos was killed last night around 9pm by elements strongly suspected of being members of the AFP.

“The CATLU president’s brutal killing is linked to the Macapagal-Arroyo government’s desperate efforts to weaken the alliance between the Mrs. Aquino and the militant mass movement directed against the corrupt and illegitimate presidency. By assasinating one of the union leaders of Hacienda Luisita, the admnistration hopes to throw a monkey wrench in the working relationship between former president Aquino and militant groups. This ploy will not succeed. Thestruggle of the farmworkers and laborers of Haciena Luisita against the stock distribution option (SDO) scheme, exploitation and poverty and is not separate or removed from the fight to remove Macapagal-Arroyo from office. The murder of CATLU president Ramos all the more gives militant groups reason to fight this murderer of a government.”

“We hope that Mrs. Aquino will give her full support to efforts to find and punish the perpetrators of this brutal crime whoever they are. Ric Ramos was a loyal and hardworking employee of the Central de Azucarera, and the Cojuangcos owe much to him and other workers like him. Justice should be given to Ka Ric and all laborers and farmworkers of Hacienda Luisita.”

Beltran said that the deployment of “Butcher of Mindoro” Jovito Palparan in Central Luzon is the main reason for the recent spate of killings of political activists and members, officials of progressive party-lists and people’s organizations in the region. He said that Macapagal-Arroyo continues to sic Palparan on political activists and human rights advocates vocal against Arroyo’s rising political repression, corruption and illegitimacy.

“Macapagal-Arroyo, her handlers and various henchmen are direly mistaken if they think that that by implementing a systematic campaign of extermination of anti-Arroyo critics the campaign for her removal will weaken. It is precisely this kind of brutality and vicious lack of respect for life of the govenrment that bolster the people’s determination reason to demand Arroyo’s ouster,” he said. #

NR1025:Snap polls, coalition govt serve to give GMA a chance to recover, or exit gracefully

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 25, 2005


Calls for snap polls, coalition government serve to give Macapagal-Arroyo a graceful way out - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the illegitimate president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is dreaming awake if she thinks that her proposal for a power sharing or the creation of a coalition government with members of the opposition.

"There's no compromising with this illegitimate presidency. Macapagal-Arroyo's proposals are all-serving, and none of them will do at all. She must step down. This is the only way to ease the building pressure of the political crisis she has brought down upon the country. The fact that she is open to the the proposal of power sharing already indicates her aknowledgement of how serious the crisis is. Macapagal-Arroyo's leadership is severely weakened, and to even begin considering sharing power with her is folly. Efforts should be focused on gathering the greatest number of Filipinos in a massive and popular protest that will pressure her to step down," he said.

Beltran said that all talks of power sharing and snap elections have an effect of lessening the pressure on the illegitimate presidency. "These proposals hint at giving Macapagal-Arroyo a graceful way out and serve to recognize her illegitimate claim to the presidency when what she really is is an usurper. These are unprincipled compromises that she's being offered. The crimes she has committed against the Filipino people apart from the cheating in the 2004 elections do not merit that she be treated with kid gloves or to be allowed a graceful exit. There are no signs at all that she is willing to leave on her volition, when her resignation is the only way the current political crisis can be settled satisfactorily. "

"Power sharing with such a corrupt and increasingly fascistic administration can only lead to heightened crises. Macapagal-Arroyo cannot and should not be allowed to continue wielding any official powers, much less share them with whomever she is willing to have compromises with. In this set-up, the Filipino people and their economic and political interests will all the more be undermined and ignored -- taking a backseat to the respective political agendas of those who seek to share power or collude with Macapagal-Arroyo via a coalition government set-up."

"We say no to snap elections, no to coalition government with Gloria, and a strong 'yes' to People Power. "

Finally, the veteran labor leader turned legislator dismissed the assertion of presidential image consultant Gabby Claudio that Macapagal-Arroyo's critics are desperate to find more means to destabilize the admnistration before the Christmas season begins.

"What Christmas is Mr. Claudio talking about? Thanks to his boss and her allies, the Filipino people are in for a restive Christmas and an unhappy new year. Macapagal-Arroyo's relenetless attacks against the economic welfare of Filipinos such as the imposition of the expanded value added tax ensures that there will be hardly any rejoicing in the homes of working class Filipinos," he said. "If anything, the Christmas season will be nothing but an occasion to further feel the abuse and corruption of this government."

NR1024:2007 a long way off; focus on big rallies and talks of snap polls should take backseat at the meantime

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 24, 2005


2007 is a long way off, Macapagal-ARroyo should step down now; talks of snap polls should take a backseat to efforts to gather biggest number to pressure Arroyo to leave Malacanang - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that there was no need for a snap election becuase it would recognizing the legitimacy of the incumbent but illegitimate Macapagal-Arroyo administration. This was the activist lawmaker's response to the suggestion of Cebu Archbishop Cardinal Vidal and El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde that a presidential election in 2007 to end the political impasse.

"2007 is long way off, and we want this political crisis resolved now, and the only way to that is to have Macapagal-Arroyo immediately removed from office," he said. "Allowing her to remain in power til 2007 is tantamount to great folly -- by then she would've done more damage to the economy and launched even more vicious attacks attacks her political opponents."

"Instead of pooling efforts for a snap elections, the good archbishop and Bro. Mike along with the other leaders of the Black and White Movement should focus on efforts to pressure Macapagal-Arroyo to immediately step down. We urge the Black and White Movement to work together with other anti-Arroyo groups and launch coordinated actions with the immediate goal of removing Macapagal-Arroyo from Malacanang at the soonest possible time. Macapagal-Arroyo should not be allowed to stay in power any minute longer. Snap elections or any other proposals that will lead to the installation of a new presidency should take a secondary position to the primary task we all have at hand: that of gathering the biggest number of Filipinos in a show of political force and will that will push Macapagal-Arroyo out of Malacanang."

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker also reiterated his stand against calls that vice-president Noli de Castro step up to the bat in Macapagal-Arroyo's stead. He said that de Castro is not eligible for the presidentiable post, given that his legitimacy as an elected official is also under question.

"But apart from this, de Castro does not have what it takes to lead this country out of the wilderness and turn the economy around. Most Filipinos do not look up to de Castro for genuine leadership for political strength. He will simply not do as president. To allow him for a moment to occupy the position would also be folly. Why should the Filipino people be further subjected to the kind of inept leadership de Castro has?"

Beltran said that a transition council comprised of representatives from the most active and influential anti-Arroyo groups should take over the moment Macapagal-Arroyo steps down. "It is this transition council that will determine the next steps that will be taken to install a new administration. Only then should talks for a snap elections be considered. In this snap polls, Macapagal-Arroyo and de Castro have no place, and they cannot and will not be allowed to participate."

Beltran said that if Chruch leaders and other groups looking for an immediate figurehead who can give voice to the transition council, he said that he was all for former vice-president Teofisto Guingona. He said that the former vice-president is a more appealing and mor

NR1023:Filipinos will retaliate against GMA for imposing EVAT

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


Filipinos will retaliate against GMA for imposing EVAT; econ gobbledygook re growth mean nothing to the poor

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the implementation of the new expanded value-added tax law will serve as the final nail on the coffin of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration. He said that for all the brave and confident posturings of the illegitimate president and the arrogance declarations of her various spokespersons, the political crisis remains and continues to intensify.

"It's only just a matter of time before this admnistration is kicked out. Time is running out for Macapagal-Arroyo-- even its allies are turning their backs on her and calling on her to either cut her term her term short or resign outright. The impact of the EVAT will be so severe against the economic welfare of Filipinos, that they will surely retaliate by joining the protests denouncing her and demanding her removal from office."

"With the implementation of the EVAT, Macapagal-Arroyo seals her own fate. She's unwittingly encouraging the protests directed against her and pushing Filipinos out into the streets in outrage against her corruption and her relentless undermining of the economic welfare of the poor majority," he said. "There's no way that Filipinos will tolerate more regressive taxes and higher increases in the already exorbitant electricity rates and other social services."

"The technical goobledygook that she and her economic advisers are spouting, their claims that there's been economic growth in the last few months mean nothing to most Filipinos. It's all in the head of Macapagal-Arroyo, a twisted series of numbers and figures that do not translate into anything concretely beneficial for the Filipino people."

Beltran said that Macapagal-Arroyo's tough posturing will end soon enough as the protests against her continue and influential political and religious leaders turn against her and join the ranks of those calling for her resignation.

"She is not fooling anyone. Even if she chooses to think that she has weathered the political crisis and survived it, the developments in the coming days and weeks will expose her delusions. The EVAT is yet another unforgivable crime against the Filipino people, majority of whom are long-disgusted with her and her failure to implement any genuine economic program or reforms that will improve the quality of life of the poor."#

NR1024:Who's afraid of Lomibao or Malacanang?

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

Rallyists, leaders of militant groups not afraid of Lomibao and the PNP; Malacanang's call for reconciliation fake

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) can go ahead and file charges against the leaders of the militant and progressive groups that led the massive anti-Aroyo rallies last Friday, and the groups will go ahead and file counter charges against the PNP leadership and the various elements of the PNP who are responsible for the various injuries sustained by rally participants not only in last Friday's demostration, but in previous protest actions as well.

PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao said the charges would be filed on top of charges of physical injuries raised by the Manila Police District (MPD) against the leaders and organizers of last Friday’s rally .

"The PNP has some gall saying that the violence was caused by the protestors when in truth it's the police who start every skirmish and increase the physical tension in the rallies because. Rally participants are always unarmed, while the police are always geared and prepared for battle - as of they're going to war," he said. "Sino tinatakot ni Lomibao? Who is he for political activists to fear? He's just a thug in uniform doing Macapagal-Arroyo's dirty work."

"The PNP's mindless obedience to Malacanang and the corrupt and illegitimate president is most unfortunate. The likes Lomibao only confirm the long-standing view that that most Filipino police elements are mindless robots who don't possess the slightest respect for civilian authority, much less for civil and human rights."

Beltran said that for every policeman or woman hurt during skirmishes, there are 15 to 20 civilians more seriously hurt. "There's no contest -- the police have helments, shields and truncheons, and they have firetrucks at their command. Protestors have nothing but their political stand and their outrage against this increasingly fascist government. The fact that the PNP continues to implement a mongrel and unconstitutional policy such as the calibrated preempted response policy against rallies is already grounds to file charges against the PNP and its officials and members," he said.

Beltran appealed to the members of the PNP to stand against the CPR and quite their posts instead of allowing themselves to be instruments of the Macapagal-Arroyo admnistration's attacks against civil and democratic rights.

In the meantime, Beltran scoffed at the call of Malacanang for principled reconciliation with her critics and the oppisition. "What principles do Mrs. Arroyo and her spokespersons have? There's no reconciling with this shamelessly corrupt and power-greedy administration and its illegitimate executive. Macapagal-Arroyo has been caught lying, her cheating has been exposed, and yet she still calls has the temerity to call herself the country's rightful president.This is an all-out political war against Macapagal-Arroyo, and the only way to end it is to have her removed from office and punished for her crimes against the Filipino people. Malacanang is fooling itself if it thinks there's still a way to recover its lost credibility and heal the rift between the corrupt executive and Filipinos," he concluded.#

News release re: filing; copy of motion for recon at SC

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


Urban poor groups, Anakpawis file motion for reconsideration after Supreme Court thumbs down motion for TRO on NorthRail Project

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today joined members and leaders of urban poor groups Stop NorthRail Project Coalition and the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) in filing a motion for reconsideration regarding the Supreme Court’s decision against the motion filed last week calling for a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the controversial NorthRail project. The original motion was filed by UP Law Center Atty. Harry Roque, and he’s the same lawyer filing for a motion for reconsideration on behalf of the urban poor residents affected by the Northrail project. The petitioners were also accompanied by Prof. Marwil Llasos, another lawyer from the UP law center.

"We urge the High Court to reconsider its decision and impose a TRO on this controversial project given the many unsettled issues and unanswered questions surrounding it. The Senate has not been able to hold a full- blown investigation on the matter given the refusal to cooperate on the part of the project proponents. The fact that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration is keeping tightly-lipped on the project and continues to refuse surrendering official documents pertaining to the contract is already cause for strong suspicion and grounds for a TRO," he said.

Beltran has expressed full support for the study the counsels have presented to the last Senate investigations on the possible anomalous nature of the NorthRail project contract between the Macapagal-Arroyo government and China. He said that UP Law Center’s paper has made a strong impact and opened a massive can of worms and deserves to be discussed in detail in the Senate and its recommendations acted upon -- including the recommendation that the contract be annulled and civil, criminal and administrative charges be filed against the proponents and signatories on the side of the Philippine government.

He also decried what he said were Malacanang’s attempts to undermine the credibility of the attorneys and members of the research team. There are reports that Malacanang is pressuring the UP administration to have the members of the team would be fired from their posts at the UP Law Center. Beltran said that the University of the Philippines administration should stand firmly in defense of academic freedom and independence, and not allow Malacanang to pressure the UP Law Center into firing the lawyers.

Beltran himself has already filed five resolutions in Congress calling for investigations into the impact of the project in urban poor residents; the possible violations of the contract provisions on Philippine economic sovereignty laws; and the alleged corruption that's going in the National Housing Authority's (NHA) relocation operations in Bulacan. The resolutions are addressed to the House Committees on Good Government and Civil and Professional Regulation, as well as to the Committee on Housing and Urban Development.

"The Northrail Project has been highly controversial from day one, and was kept under close wraps. So secret it is that it did not even undergo the scrutiny much less approval of the Senate. Now the impact of the project implementation is already being felt -- translating in the chaos erupting in the communities being demolished to make way for the project," he said. "I fully support the recommendation of the UP Law Center study team that civil, criminal and administrative charges be filed against the Philippine government officials who pushed for this infamous project. These officials, of course, are led by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Mr. Noli de Castro."

The veteran labor leader said that the nitty-gritty of the Northrail project deserve to be exposed because they will reveal to what extent the RP government went to secure the contract which is seriously prejudiced against the Philippines. "It's still shocking to realize how far and how low the Macapagal-Arroyo government will sink and how much it will compromise to secure loans," he said. "What's most outrageous in this is that it's the Filipino people who will pay these off and suffer the consequences.' #

CLICK HERE FOR A COPY OF THE MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

NR1020:Govt using bribe for big business, creditors; will tolerate their abuse of the law

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 20, 2005


Gov’t sure to tolerate corporations, manufacturers’ abuse of EVAT law at the expense of consumers

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that with the looming implementation of the new expanded value tax, electricity firms will yet abuse the situation and impose even higher electricity rates – “increased rates on top of the other anomalous and questionable charges they pile on top of the basic rate,” he said. He slammed Meralco anew for announcing that consumers will have to pay an additional 60 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kwh) once the EVAT law takes effect on Nov. 1.

Meralco is trying to justify the increase in rates by saying that the additional 60 centavos per kwh is only a "pass-through charge," meaning it will go to the government, not Meralco. “Who’s kidding whom here? Meralco and the Macapagal-Arroyo government are in cahoots in their campaign to rise electricity rates through the roof and extract more money from consumers. The Departments of energy, trade and industry and transportation and communication are all oriented towards helping corporations and manufacturers to impose the EVAT on the sale of their products and services and to fool the public into believing that there are benefits to the new tax.”

“The implementing rules and guidelines the illegitimate Macapagal-Arroyo administration regarding new charges and impact of the EVATon utilities will without doubt favor Meralco and allow it to jack their rates beyond what the EVAT allows. The same is the case with other big businesses and manufacturers – most of whom favor the EVAT because it will enable them to shave more from consumers and jack their prices and rates even higher.”

“The illegitimate Macapagal-Arroyo presidency is also using the EVAT to convince business groups to support her beleaguered and unstable presidency. The EVAT is something of a bribe Malacanang is offering big business and foreign creditors in exchange for their support,” he said.

Beltran said that the severe damage of the EVAT has already been felt as consumers even before the infamous law has been implemented. Already, he said, there are unscrupulous manufacturers that jack their prices and rates and give the EVAt as the reason behind the sudden increase.

“Transportation fares are also sure to skyrocket. According to reports, motorists, will pay P1 to P3 more per liter of petroleum and households will pay at least P3 more per kilo of cooking gas also because of the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the EVAT’s legality.

Aside from higher power rates, the EVAT’s impact on petroleum prices will also be disastrous. Because of the EVAT, gasoline is expected to go up by about P3.40 per liter, regular gasoline by P2.85 and diesel by P1.17. Liquefied petroleum gas or cooking gas is expected to rise P3.21 per kilogram, he said. #

NR1019:SC justices who upheld EVAT should be pilloried

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 19, 2005


SC justices who upheld EVAT law legality should be publicly pilloried - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the Macapagal-Arrroyo government should spare the Filipino people from more of its lies and deceptions and put away all plans to launch an information dissemination campaign regarding the supposed benefits of the new expanded value-added tax.

"Macapagal-Arroyo, her so-called economic experts and various spokespersons can explain all they want about the EVAT but the fact remains that it's an immoral imposition -- a tax measure that will worsen the poverty of most Filipinos. What will they peddle -- more lies? The Supreme Court's final decision on the matter is a vicious attack against the economic well-being of the people, and the Justices who upheld this decision deserve to be publicly pilloried," he said. "What they did is an act of betrayal against the Filipino people."

"Most Filipinos are already ill-equipped to deal with the continously rising costs of living. Adequate health, housing and healthcare services for the most part is beyond the means of the poor. Adding the EVAT to their already considerable burdens is an atrocious crime on the part of this callous government."

The veteran labor leader slammed the government , saying that its heartlessness was without end. "It has never ever listened to reason. Macapagal-Arroyo's government has done very little to nothing to alleviate the poverty of the woriking people, but done much to undermine and attack their welfare. The demand of rank and file government employees and private sector employees for salary and wage increases have been treated with insulting scorn and indifference, yet Malacanang has the gall to defend this new tax imposition like it is what will save the day for the working people. Such twisted logic, such demented rationalization," he said.

Beltran said that there were really no ifs and buts about it - "Macapagal-Arroyo must go and the tax measures her illegitimate and immoral administration have crafted should be junked along with her. When she is attacking the civil, political and human rights of her constituency using increasingly fascistic policies such as the calibrated preemptive response (CPR), she's cutting off the life blood of Filipinos by imposing new tax measures on them," he said. "Malacanang is truly pushing Filipinos to take to the streets and demand her ouster. To allow Macapagal-Arroyo to remain in office is akin to committing mass suicide." #

NR1018:On gag orders against the media; Church, religious leaders should unite behind call for GMA removal

TWO NEWS RELEASES

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 18, 2005


GMA wants to impose censor and gag order on Media; stop reports and release of footage depicting corruption and rising political repression

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the reports of a looming crackdown against media are well-founded, give Malacanang’s passage of Executive Order 454 issued secretly August 16. He said that the EO aims to give Malacanang the immediate authority to censor and control news media and telecommunications services.

EO 454 transfers supervision and control of the National Telecommunications Commission to the Department of Transportation and Communications, from the Commission on Information and Communications Technology that was created by EO 269 on Jan. 12, 2004. The NTC is the government agency that has regulatory jurisdiction over radio and television networks and the telecommunications companies.

“Malacanang is trying to cover all bases, and this includes controlling the news media and telecommunications services because it is through them that the public is most quickly informed regarding political developments. The relentless exposes pertaining to the corruption and electoral fraud perpetrated by the illegitimate president have contributed to the swift deterioration of Macapagal-Arroyo’s approval ratings. Malacanang is desperate to control the media and stop these reports from coming out,” he said.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that if Malacanang issued EO 464 as a gag order against officials and confidential employees and protect Arroyo from the inquiries and investigations, EO 454 aims to control the media and the dissemination of information.

“Malacanang is just binding its time, but no doubt it is desperate to gag the media as well and prohibit the release of reports and footage exposing the corruption and intensifying political repression of the administration, “ he said. “The steady stream of reports of Macapagal-Arroyo’s burgeoning dictatorship serve to unite the Filipino people behind the call for Arroyo’s removal and ouster. By imposing a crackdown on the media and stopping the flood of reports on rally dispersals, the ever worsening economy and the killings of political activists and increasing human rights violations, Malacanang hopes to pacify the public and project and atmosphere of recovery and stability. This cannot be allowed to happen. The media must be kept free to report the truth and to take a stand in favor of the Filipino people if it chooses,” he said.#


Gloria must yield to the popular and righteous sentiment and resign

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the Catholic Bishops Conference and the leadership of other religious formations and organizations should stand united in denouncing the worsening political repression of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration. Beltran lauded the stand of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde against the calibrated people’s response, saying that his opposition to CPR was tantamount to supporting the protests directed against the corrupt and illegitimate presidency. He said that church leaders should take this unity further and demand that Macapagal-Arroyo step down for the public good.

“There is no way that Mrs. Arroyo can continue her term in peace and stability. There is widespread outrage against her and her government’s unforgivable failure to remedy the economic crisis. The worsening political crisis brought about by the affirmation of long-established reports that she cheated in the 2004 elections and the relentless exposes of various corruption scams involving herself and members of her family will not simply go away, nevermind how many repressive measures she imposes.”

“Macapagal-Arroyo should step down now and save the Filipino people from more grief. She is only increasing the number and gravity of her crimes against the Filipino people the longer she remains stubbornly clinging to power. She has to yield to the popular and righteous sentiment that she should resign, or risk being removed from power via people power. Not even martial law can stop the Filipino people from protesting against her, her economic policies, and her twisted political agenda of repression,” he said.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s defense of Malacanang and the violent crackdown on street protest all the more makes Arroyo indefensible. “All the more should Arroyo be removed from office. Sen. Santiago’s cold-blooded logic justifying violent dispersals in defense of Arroyo should not be tolerated or allowed to go uncontested. It is precisely this kind of reasoning and rationalization that lead to the imposition of martial law and the comprehensive junking of civil and democratic rights,” he concluded. #

NR1017:GMA puts own soul in peril by going against Church leaders

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 17, 2005

GMA throws all caution to the wind and ignores even warnings against her soul's peril by going against Church leaders; CBCP should rethink stand supporting Malacanang

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that the illegitimate Macapagal-Arroyo presidency has thrown all caution to the wind as well as irid all pretences of being a believer in democracy. He said that it was a telling sign that Malacanang refuses to apologize for last Friday's violent dispersal of the prayer rally led by the church leaders of the KME.

"Malacanang and its various spokespersons' explanations and justifications for the increasing limits on the constitutionally-guaranteed and universally-upheld rights of assembly and expression are chilling signs that there is full intent to impose martial law," he said. "Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has even taken to ignoring warnings that her own soul is in mortal peril by going up against leaders of the Catholic church and attacking its members," he said.

Beltran lauded the efforts of the church leaders of the KME to expose the increasing political repression of the administration and said that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) should follow suit. He said that the CBCP's previous statements declaring support for the admnistration and supporting the ban on rallies and street actions via the calibrated preeemptive response policy was a big disappointment for many Filipinos.

"We hope that the CCCP leadership and members would take a more progressive and pro-people stand on the issue of Macapagal-Arroyo's increasing tyranny and the worsening attacks against civil and human rights. Malacanang is trying to justify the attacks as necessary actions to protect the public peace, but in truth it is protecting nothing but itself. Macapagal-Arroyo's stubborn and immoral determination to cling to power despite her widespread unpopularity biuds ill for the public peace, and all signs point towards the imposition of martial law. We hope that the CBCP will rethink its stand and choose to side with the Filipino people and their struggle to unseat a corrupt and illegitimate presidency that is quickly transforming itself into an unholy dictatorship," he concluded.#

NR1014:Cut ties with the IMF and junk its econ dictates

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 14, 2005


Severe ties with the IMF: it's economic prescriptions has doomed the Philippines

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that illegitimate President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's groveling obeisance to the dictates and recommendations of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other foreign finance multilateral agencies guarantees doom for the Philippine economy.

“These reforms and programs supposedly for economic development are actually blueprints for destruction. The IMF and other creditors have no other intent for doing business in the Philippines but to exploit the country and suck out all profits they can get,” he said.

“There is not a single IMF-prescription or program that resulted to genuine development for the
Philippines. We should break all ties with this global monster of an agency and implement policies the exact opposite of its prescriptions.”

Beltran said that Mrs. Arroyo's tax measures and other supposed reforms are all lifted from the IMF, and this alone makes them sure to be against the interest of the Filipino people and the national economy.

The IMF, he said, acts like an independent government imposing on the Philippines. “What right has this agency has to demand that the Philippines overhaul and restructure its economy and pattern everything according to IMF policies? It's recommendations are being taken like the word of God – but it's a twisted and demented God the Arroyo government is obeying and the Philippines is plunged in economic hell,” he said.

“For decades, the Philippines has been chained and enslaved by the IMF, and it's long overdue that this slave-master ties be severed. Macapagal-Arroyo keeps harping on her expertise as an economics major, but what good has this done for the country? The economic crisis continues to worsen. Even before the scandal of her electoral fraud erupted, she was already in hot water because of her failure to turn the economy around and provide genuine jobs for the people,” he
said. “The relentless oil price hikes and the ever-increasing electricity rates have been a bitter reality even before the Hello, Garci scam was exposed. It's not the political crisis that's exacerbating the economic problems of the country – it's the other way around; and the illegitimate and corrupt presidency is to blame,” he concluded.#

NR1014: Solon calls for criminal charges against Northrail proponents; alleges corruption in NHA

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B. Beltran
News Release October 14, 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


Rep. Beltran supports call for criminal charges against NorthRail Project proponents; alleges corruption in National Housing Authority (NHA) handling of relocations

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today sponsored a presscon with the members of the UP Law Center NorthRail Project Research team and leaders of the Stop NorthRail Project Coalition and the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) in in Quezon City. The attorneys of the research team are Prof. Carmelo Sison, former law dean Raul Pagalangan, Prof. Solomon Lumba and Prof. Florin Hilbay. Prof. Lumba is the chair of the research team.

Beltran has expressed full support for the study the counsels have presented to the last Senate investigations on the possible anomalous nature of the NorthRail project contract between the Macapagal-Arroyo government and China. He said that UP Law Center’s paper has made a strong impact and opened a massive can of worms and deserves to be discussed in detail in the Senate and its recommendations acted upon -- including the recommendation that the contract be annulled and civil, criminal and administrative charges be filed against the proponents and signatories on the side of the Philippine government.

Beltran himself has already filed five resolutions in Congress calling for investigations into the impact of the project in urban poor residents; the possible violations of the contract provisions on Philippine economic sovereignty laws; and the alleged corruption that's going in the National Housing Authority's (NHA) relocation operations in Bulacan. The resolutions are addressed to the House Committees on Good Government and Civil and Professional Regulation, as well as to the Committee on Housing and Urban Development.

"The Northrail Project has been highly controversial from day one, and was kept under close wraps. So secret it is that it did not even undergo the scrutiny much less approval of the Senate. Now the impact of the project implementation is already being felt -- translating in the chaos erupting in the communities being demolished to make way for the project," he said. "I fully support the recommendation of the UP Law Center study team that civil, criminal and administrative charges be filed against the Philippine government officials who pushed for this infamous project. These officials, of course, are led by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Mr. Noli de Castro.”

The veteran labor leader said that the nitty-gritty of the Northrail project deserve to be exposed because they will reveal to what extent the RP government went to secure the contract which is seriously prejudiced against the Philippines. "It's still shocking to realize how far and how low the Macapagal-Arroyo government will sink and how much it will compromise to secure loans," he said. "What's most outrageous in this is that it's the Filipino people who will pay these off and suffer the consequences.'

Beltran urged senators to subpoena Mr. de Castro and other officials directly involved with the project, including heads of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the National Housing Authority ( NHA) and compell them to answer questions regarding the project.

In the meantime, the veteran labor leader said that Northrail-affected communities have voiced complaints and allegations, mostly in connection with the relocation packages and conduct of demolition and clearing operations, against National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Federico Laxa. These alleged anomalies include overpricing of resettlement lots, preferential treatment to developers closely related to the General Manager, stringent qualification process for beneficiaries of relocation packages, and violation of NHA’s Terms of Reference.

Bumatama Inc. and Kapulong Inc. to name just a few, are organizations that have voiced their opposition against the NHA and how it began relocating people without clearly explaining the terms of payment of the resettlement lots. Similarly, the residents of Marilao say that NHA was able to procure lots at P450/sqm but sells these to the urban poor relocatees at P650/sqm, which means a profit of P200/sqm or P200,000 per lot. The bigger the number of lots, the bigger the profit – this is why, Marilao residents say, lot sizes in their area were being reduced from 40 sqm to 32 sq, or even as small as 22 sqm.

“Lot developers are also allegedly closely identified with GM Laxa. For instance, they allege that former actor Tony Ferrer and former Pampanga mayor Asur who are both developers of the relocation site in Lambakin, Marilao, are a relative and a close friend respectively of Laxa. According to residents, Ferrer, Asur and Laxa personally approached and convinced the leaders of Marilao to choose Lambakin over Loma de Gato as site of relocation. In return, they allegedly promised those leaders P10,000 each as well as ‘ghost employee’ status at the NHA for six months,” he said.

According to Beltran, the residents also question the accreditation of another Marilao relocation site developer by the name of D’grand Builders, a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2005. The residents allege that one of the reasons that the Local Inter-Agency Committee rejected the Bocaue residents’ preferred relocation site is that the proposed developer of the said lot was registered with the SEC only in July 2005 and thus lacked the required track record, legal personality and equipment. Besides this, they also point to an NHA policy that new developers are allowed to develop only lots less than one hectare.#

NR1013:Ka Bel, UP Law Center NorthRail Project Team press for criminal charges against Northrail proponents

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


Rep. Beltran, lawyers of UP Law Center's NorthRail Project Research Team hold presscon tomorrow; Solon supports call for criminal charges against project proponents

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran will be joined by the members of the UP Law Center NorthRail Project Research team and leaders of the Stop NorthRail Project Coalition and the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) in a presscon tomorrow at 10 Am the UP Balai Kalinaw in UP Diliman, Quezon City. Beltran has expressed full support for the study the counsels have presented to the last Senate investigations on the possible anomalous nature of the NorthRail project contract between the Macapagal-Arroyo government and China.

Beltran said that the charges of Commissioner Abcede of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) that the UP Law Center was plotting against the Arroyo government and should be abolished were fanatic and ignorant. He said that the study of the UP Law Center as well as the Northrail project itself should be scrutinized fully in a full-blown senate investigation, and the main proponents from both the Philippine and Chinese govenrments should be summoned.

Beltran himself has already filed three resolutions in Congress calling for investigations into the impact of the project in urban poor residents; the possible violations of the contract provisions on Philippine economic sovereignty laws; and the alleged corruption that's going in the National Housing Authority's (NHA) relocation operations in Bulacan.

"The Northrail Project has been highly controversial from day one, and was kept under close wraps. So secret it is that it did not even undergo the scrutiny much less approval of the Senate. Now the impact of the project implementation is already being felt -- translating in the chaos erupting in the communities being demolished to make way for the project," he said.

"I fully support the recommendation of the UP Law Center study team that civil, criminal and adminsitrative charges be filed against the Philippine govenrment officials who pushed for this infamous project. These officials, of course, are led by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Mr. Noli de Castro," he said.

The veteran labor leader said that the nitty-gritty of the Northrail project deserve to be exposed because they will reveal to what extent the RP government went to secure the contract which is seriously prejudiced against the Philippines. "It's still shocking to realize how far and how low the Macapagal-Arroyo government will sink and how much it will compromise to secure loans," he said. "What's most outrageous in this is that it's the Filipino people who will pay these off and suffer the consequences.'

Beltran urged senators to subpoena Mr. de Castro and other officials directly involved with the project, including heads of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the National Housing Authority ( NHA) and compell themm to answer questions regarding the project. #

Media Coverage of the presscon is requested. Thank you!

NR1013:GMA spokespersons lying through teeth on emergency rule

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


Malacanang spokespersons lying through their regarding emergency rule; Macapagal-Arroyo certain to exploit any emergency powers for self preservation and to attack the opposition - Rep. Beltran

Anakpawis Representative Crsipin Beltran today said that under no circumstances should the Filipino people trust the word of Malacanang on the issue of emergency rule. He said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her various spokespersons led by Ignacio Bunye, excutive secretary Eduardo Ermita and justice secretary Raul Gonzales have been slowly backpedalling on their denials that there was any intent to impose martial law.

"These days they're already laying down their justifications for the imposition of martial law in the guise of giving Macapagal-Arroyo emergency powers. The word of a corrupt and illegitimate executive -- one who cheated herself to power and lied about it when caught -- cannot be trusted. Macapagal-Arroyo cannot and should not be allowed to exercise more powers than she already has. Without doubt, she will wield any additional authority she can get besies the already considerable powers against her critics and the political opposition," he said."Macapagal-Arroyo is like a pestilent weed - give her an inch and she'll take over the yard. There's no way that she can be trusted to not abuse and exploit emergency powers to the hilt and use it for her self-preservation on the one hand, and as means to crush her political opponents on the other."

"The anti-terrorism bill, the calibrated preemptive response and the gag order which is Executive Order 464 as well as the seize and sequester EO 467 are undeniable proof that Macapagal-Arroyo is determined to crackdown on legitimate dissent and terrorize her critics and the opposition."

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that despite its denials, Malacanang has already begun the rode of consolidating its political and military strength. He said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other mercenary armed groups under the government are already being given increased authority over and above civilian authority.

"The serious threats and escalating attacks against civil, political and human rights cannot be denied. More and more, PNP and AFP officials are being referred to by Malacanang in its supposed mission to restore order in Arroyo's turbulent presidency. The worsening political crisis is not something Macapagal-Arroyo can control by expressing social platitudes or pleas for sobriety. The administration is increasingly resorting to authoritarian tactics."

"The PNP and the AFP have long been exposed as the government's main instruments of fascism. These institutions are patently and virulently against all principles related to the respect of civil and human rights. The top officials PNP and the AFP have neither respect nor recognition for human rights. Their slogan "to serve and protect" is directed towards the illegitimate and corrupt government. When it comes to civilians, their motto is "to attack and crush." #

NR1012:2 Govt empowering PNP, AFP to violate civil right; US warship in Zamboanga

Mula Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B. Beltran
News Releases October 12, 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


Macapagal-Arroyo govt forcing passage of administrative and legislative police-state measures; in the hands of the PNP and AFP, anti-terror bill weapon of destruction of civil rights

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that Malacanang’s intent to push a series of administrative and legislative measures giving the government’s political police the sort of arbitrary power normally associated with fascist regimes or military juntas should be thwarted. He said that in the hands of the PNP and AFP, these authoritarian measures are sure to be abused to the severe detriment of civil and human rights.

Beltran said that through the anti-terrorism bill, Executive Order 464 and the calibrated preemptive response, the illegitimate and corrupt administration is darkly seeking the power to detain and question people without charge or trial. The Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can raid anyone’s home or office, at any hour of the day or night, and forcibly take them away, interrogate and strip-search them and hold them incommunicado, effectively indefinitely.

“These measures, especially the anti-terrorism bill represent a fundamental assault on essential civil liberties. They give the security and intelligence agencies unfettered arbitrary and repressive power, marking a dramatic step toward the implementation of authoritarian rule. Those detained have no right to know why they are being hauled off for interrogation. If they resist, violent force, including lethal force, can be used against them. If they refuse to answer any question or hand over any material that PNP or AFP or any armed authorities of the government alleges they possess, they face imprisonment.

There is the serious danger that entirely innocent, ordinary people, who have committed no crime, will be subjected to intense political repression. They do not have to be suspected of committing any offence. The PNP or AFP, using the anti-terrorism bill, need only assert that they may have some information relating to “terrorism”, regardless of whether any terrorist act has actually occurred or is even suspected of being planned,” he said.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that the potential for political harassment and victimization is vast. “The definition of terrorism in the bill is so broad that anyone who knows about a protest or demonstration planned for a “political,ideological or religious cause” could be rounded up for interrogation,” he said.

Beltran pointed out that given the bill’s sweeping provisions, “and given the rising paranoia of the administration” - a school or university teacher could be detained simply because they have a student in their class who has written an essay on terrorism. ”An investigative journalist or researcher could be interrogated and forced to hand over documents or notes relating to terrorism. Neighbours, workmates, acquaintances or relatives of suspects could be detained for questioning, possibly on flimsy, false accusations made by anonymous sources. Political or social activists could be taken into custody on allegations of knowing about terrorist plans,” he said.

Beltran also said that the Terrorism Act, the CPR and EO 464 are very significant departures from established law. The government is rushing forward with the intent of protecting itself from the legitimate protests and calls for Macapagal-Arroyo’s resignation and removal from office.

“Democratic rights forged a century of struggle are being abolished one by one, and in the most insidious ways. Unlike other criminal legislation, under the anti-Terrorism Act people can be imprisoned or punished for ideas, or knowledge, rather than acts. Moreover, they can be detained on mere suspicion, without a specific charge. How different is this from the Nazi regime? Anyone can be rounded up for interrogation and detention under a law that is so vague that no one can tell whether they have infringed it or not. The Act’s language is deliberately ill defined, highly subjective and political, making it easy to manipulate,” he concluded.#

Solon calls for investigations into US warship presence in Zamboanga; says Anti-Terror bill might legitimize US military involvement in Philippine internal security affairs

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that he will a resolution calling for immediate investigations into the reported presence of a US military ship along Basilan Island in Zamboanga, saying that if the US military ship could well be violating Philippine territorial and sovereignty laws. He also said that the US ship’s presence strongly suggests the ongoing, illegal direct involvement of US military forces in local operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“US military forces have no legal right to participate much less lead military operations in the country regardless of whom they say they are going after. The terrorist attacks in the region – most particularly the recent ones in Bali – were directly aimed at the US government and its chauvinist, anti-Muslim so-called campaign against terrorism. The continuing meddling and interference of the United States government in Philippine internal affairs is what’s turning the Philippines into a magnet for anti-US terrorists,” he said.

Beltran scored anew the Department of National Defense and the AFP leadership for keeping the presence of the said US warship a secret. “It’s doubtful that they’ve been unaware. If anything, the DND and the AFP on directives from Malacanang are fully cooperating with US military forces in t he country, even allowing them to be involved in clandestine military operations masked as relief or medical missions,” he said.

Beltran reminded the public about the controversial case of an American marine, Reggie Black forcibly entering a civilian house in Basilan in 2002 and shooting a Muslim Buyong-Buyong Isnijal who was merely suspected of being an Abu Sayyaf supporter. Isnijal was shot in front of his wife and children. The International Solidarity Mission (ISM) fact-finding group exposed the shooting, but the US Embassy refused to issue a statement on the matter.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator also said that that the joint military operations between the AFP and US military forces continue unchecked, and thus the reports of human rights violations against civilian Muslims in Mindanao also worsen. This included illegal arrests and detention. In their blind determination to round up terrorists, US military forces aided by the AFP have long resorted to arresting Muslim civilians. A visit to the various jail cells in Basilan and Zamboanga would reveal how terrible the violations are against the civil rights of our Muslim brothers,” he said. #

NR1011:GMA dared to demand US reveal its genuine analysis on her survival chances

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 11, 2005


Malacanang dared to demand US government reveal its true analayiss of GMA's chances of surving political crisis

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today dared Malacanang to demand that the US government reveal all its information and analysis-reports regarding the intensifying political crisis in the Philippines and the its reading on the chances of survival of the corrupt and illegitimate Macapagal-Arroyo presidency. Beltran said that Mrs. Arroyo and her various spokespersons were fooling themselves with their declarations that the US is a close ally and will never betray the Arroyo presidency.

"The US government has proven itself to have no allegiance or loyalty to anyone or anything but to itself. Washington will support any president who declares himself or herself loyal to US economic, political and military interests and maintain the lop-sided ties between the Philippines and the US," he said. "This latest expose that the a Filipino spy has successfully made off with confidential and top secret information from the White House that are directed against the Macapagal-Arroyo presidency shatters Malacanang's illusions of security. Mrs. Arroyo is challenged to demand that the US reveal its true stand on her presidency and the political crisis that continues to hound Malacanang."

"So much for Washington's supposed complete faith and trust in Macapagal-Arrroyo. All this time the US has been weighing her, and she's come up severely lacking. Even the US thinks she's in touble and is on the way out," he said.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that the fact that the US government has come up with reports which show the negative chances of Mrs. Arroyo surviving the crisis means that the US is already reconsidering its support for Arroyo. He said that US intel is more brutally truthful than all the propaganda reports of Malacanang regarding Mrs. Arroyo's chances of recovery.

"Would Mrs. Arroyo dare to demand that the US reveal its genuine assessment of her chances of survival, or would she rather not know what the Americans think of her? "

GMA Emergency Powers to implement EVAT; centralize economic power in Malacanang

In the meantime, Beltran said that Justice Sec. Raull Gonzales' admission that he's the one who drafted a controverisal executive order giving Mrs. Arroyo emegency powers on the event that the economy worsens should not be taken at face value.

"Mrs. Arroyo, Sec. Eduardo Ermita and Raul Gonzales and other presidential advisers have most likey put their heads together and divided the work between them. Ermita drafted the gag order contained in EO 464, and now it's Gonzales' turn to contribute his own EO draft that serves to strengthen the stranglehold of the illegitimate presidency on the economic structures of the country," he said.

Beltran said that Malacananang is being pushed to the wall in imposing an EO enabling the president to take over vital industries and use emergency powers because of the strong opposition to the EVAT. "Malacanang wants to implement the EVAt because the creditors are getting restless. Mrs. Arroyo wants emergency powers to impose the EVAT once and for all," he said.

He also said that Mrs. Arroyo and her cohorts are desperate to show masterful control over the rapidly deteriorating economy because it's the only way the incumbent illegitimate president can secure the continuing support of big business and foreign creditors. He also said that any take-plan of the government will inevitably end up being an instrument of dictatorship.

"Mrs. Arroyo has proven that she has no qualms about abusing presidential authority and manipulating, twisting the law to serve her political interests. She will use her emergency powers against ther critics and the opposition -- even if it means undermining and violating civil and human rights, and forced sequestration of their assets if they have business interests," he concluded.#

NR1010:Solon decries recommendation to scrap UP Law Center over NorthRail study

Mula Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B. Beltran
News Release October 10, 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


Solon decries PCGG commissioner call for UP Law Center abolition because of its study on NorthRail Project

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today decried the statement of Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) commissioner Ricardo Abcede that the UP Law Center should be abolished because it was plotting to bring down the government. The aforementioned institution has recently come up with a study pointing out the anomalies in the Arroyo government’s contract with China regarding the controversial North Rail project. The UP Law Center has recommended the filing of civil, criminal and administrative charges against the proponents of the said project.

“Abcede’s the one who should resign for making such a recommendation. He should’ve known better to make such a recommendation considering that he’s a commissioner at the PCGG which is supposed to be an agency watching out for corruption in government. Instead of attacking the UP Law Center for coming up with its position paper pointing out the contract’s countless anomalies and violations of various laws, Abcede should be assisting the said agency and pushing for full investigations into the contract,” he said.

The veteran labor leader turned legislator said that the Abcede’s accusation that the UP Law Center was part of the campaign to remove Mrs. Arroyo from office and thus should be abolished was reminiscent of the statements of former cronies of the dictator Ferdinan Marcos. He said that during the dictatorship, all newspapers and institutions who dared speak up against the dictatorship and expose the anomalies it was involved in were shut down and its officials and staff targeted for arrest.

“Abcede must have taken his cue from somebody from Malacanang. It’s evident that he’s speaking up for the two highest officials of the land who are mainly responsible for this infamous North Rail Project that’s steeped in anomalies. Abcede has been until recently a non-entity, yet now here he is speaking for the vice-president Noli de Castro and the illegitimate president Gloria Arroyo,’ he said.

“So what’s next – will Abcede and other minor minions like him demand the abolition of the Minority in Congress and the senate because their members are very vocal in denouncing Malacanang and demand the resignation of the corrupt and illegitimate president? “

Finally, Beltran said that even if the UP Law Center made errors in the paper it presented to the Senate, this by no means negate the rest of the content of the paper and its conclusion that the Northrail project is anomalous and should be scrapped. “The paper has certainly made an impact – enough so that vice-president de Castro broke his usual silence and spoke up. The fact that he has reacted to the paper is enough basis to continue investigations into the Northrail project. De Castro himself should be investigated for the way the demolition of communities connected to the project is being implemented,” he said. #

NR1007:Rep. Beltran urges senators to reconsider stand on ATB

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 7, 2005


Rep. Beltran urges senators to reconsider their stand on anti-terror bill

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today urged senators to change their minds and refuse to support the Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s campaign for an anti-terrorism bill. Beltran said that there can never be sufficient or credible guarantees that the incumbent administration will not wield the anti-terror bill against it’s political opponents and justify a wide-scale crackdown against all
militant and progressive people’s organizations and their allies by citing the overbroad provisions of the anti-terror bill.

“A rabid Arroyo ally, senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has already stated that the ant-terror bill should be used against all of Malacanang’s opponents – particularly those who hold protests and demonstrations calling for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo on the grounds of corruption and electoral fraud,” he said. “It is precisely pronouncements from the likes of Sen. Santiago and Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales that convince opponents of the anti-terror bill that Malacanang will use the latter to launch full-scale physical attacks against the political opposition.

Beltran said that the spate of killings of political activists is already bloody proof that that the administration is on a murderous rampage against its opponents. “The government and its armed institutions – mainly the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)- have seen no need for an anti-terror bill to carry out is campaign of political repression and terrorism. Without doubt, with an anti-terror measure the most mercenary elements of the PNP and the AFP will be even more emboldened to violate the Filipino people’s civil, political and human rights.”

“Legitimate protest actions, peaceful gatherings and other democratic forms of collective or individual actions will be outlawed, especially if they aim to demand positive response from the government or to denounce it for the various anti-poor, anti-people policies it implements,” he said. ‘Even factory strikes, pickets in front of government agencies and other civilian offices will also be banned. The Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s motives are clearly to silence its opponents and thus project a false image that stability has been regained.”

In the meanwhile, the veteran labor leader turned legislator said that the government’s calibrated preemptive response policy against rallies be immediately scrapped as it was a vicious and unconstitutional curtailment of the freedom of assembly and expression. He also said that Malacanang’s insistence on Executive Order 464 betrays its desperation to keep more scandals and reports of its relentless corruption from leaking out. “A government that would impose a gag order on its staff and officials is clearly a government with a lot of dirty secrets,” he concluded.#

NR1007:Bulacan residents light a thousand candles against corruption, demand the scrapping of the Northrail Project

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release
October 7, 2005


Bulacan residents light a thousand candles against corruption, demand the scrapping of the Northrail Project

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran was joined fellow Anakpawis solon Rafael Mariano and by the lawmakers of Bayan Muna Reps. Teddy Casino, Satur Ocampo and Joel Virador and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Liza Maza as well as representatives of Bulacan in a solidarity action this evening against the demolition operations in the said region connected to the controversial Northrail project. The activity, dubbed “Light a thousand candles against corruption, Stop the Northrail project, stop demolitions!” was spearheaded by the Stop Northrail Project Coalition comprised urban poor groups such as the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY), Pagkakaisa ng mga Maralita sa Riles (PAMARIL), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Bulacan, the Bulacan Inter-faith Dialogue, Samahan ng mga Residente at Negosyante sa Riles – Meycauayan, and Anakpawis National Political Party.

After an ecumenical, interfaith mass and a short public forum, the lawmakers and local community leaders lit candles with the rest of the residents who were lined up all along McArthur Highway. The activity was held in the Old PNR Station, Mc Arthur Highway, Calvario, Meycauayan, Bulacan. Some 2,000 candles along with gas lamps and torches were lit by the residents and their supporters. Minority Floor leader Francis Escudero has also expressed support for the said action.

The Northrail project will affect 12,878 families from the Municipalities of Meycauayan (3,341), Marilao (1,911), Bocaue (2,086) Balagtas (1,141) and the City of Malolos (2,696), all located in the province of Bulacan. Pres. Arroyo has issued Administrative Order No. 111 on November 8, 2004 designating the NHA to take charge of the demolitions and the forced relocation of affected residents. Vice-president and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chair Noli de Castro has laid down October 30 as the deadline for the completion of the demolition operations.

Malacanang through its spokesman Ignacio Bunye has announced that information regarding the project is classified and all officials involved in the project are covered by Executive Order 464 which restricts government officials from revealing information without the clearance of Malacanang.

“This infamous project has wrought massive destruction and devastation in the lives of thousands of Filipinos in Central. The relocation program has already been exposed as chaotic, inferior and riddled with anomalies. The core of our opposition to the project however lies in the fact that it was approved between the Macapagal-Arroyo and Chinese governments without going through the required legal process of consultations and public bidding. The contents of the contract did not go pubic scrutiny, but independent efforts of certain quarters to go through with a fine-tooth comb as revealed how anomalous and inimical to public and national interest it is,” he said.

“Malacanang cannot classify this project as top secret because it concerns thousands of people and the nation’s economic and political authority. The fact that Malacanang approved it without prior consultations neither with the Senate nor the House of Representatives constitutes grave abuse of authority on the part of the already corrupt and illegitimate presidency of Macapagal-Arroyo,” he said. “The officials involved in the Northrail Project should be compelled to testify and give their knowledge on the said project in senate hearings at the Senate.”

Beltran and the other progressive lawmakers have already filed three house resolutions calling for investigations into the project.For its part, the UP Law Center has also declared the project illegal and disadvantageous to the Philippines. In a 28-page opinion on the legal, economic, financial and technical aspects of the contract, the UP Law Center recommended the projects annulment and that criminal, criminal and civil charges be filed against all persons who signed the contract.

Among the reasons cited by the center in arriving at its conclusions are the following:

1.The absence of public bidding even if the exemptions on competitive bidding contained under Republic Act 9184 were absent.

2. The contract cannot be viewed as a treaty or executive agreement whether seen from the perspective of international or Philippine law.

3.The contract failed to comply with the Government Auditing Code and the Administrative Code of 1987, because the government’s counterpart funds is not supported by a certification on the availability of funds.

In the meantime, the veteran labor leader turned lawmaker demanded the immediate sacking of National Housing Authority (NHA) general manager Federico Laxa because of the countless complaints of the affected residents. He said that Laxa has been mostly vague and uncooperative in the congressional investigations delving into the said complaints of the residents arising from the demolition and relocation residents.

Beltran said that the following charges are only some of those being leveled by the residents against Laxa:

1. Corruption. Laxa has allegedly jacked the prices of land in the relocation sites, such as the one in Marilao. Laxa has allegedly purchased the land at P450/sq,. but reported the sale to NHA as P650/ sqm. He and his partners allegedly earn P200.00 per metric square of land, which totals to P20,000.00 per lot (P200 x100,000 sqm).

Laxa is also reportedly pushing lot ‘beneficiaries’ to buy lots at the relocation site at P100,000 each. In Lambakin, Marilia, from the former 40sq, the lot sizes have been reduced to 32 sqm, and corner lots to 28 sqm. The smallest lots are pegged at 22sqm. This means that more lots can be put up, nevermind the smize not fit for human habitation.

2. Violation of the terms of reference of the NHA

In Marilao alone, the over-all number of families affected by the project is 1,911. Of this number, 1,200 families expressed the willingness to be relocated to Loma de Gato, and 73% of those surveyed by the municipal office also said that the same.The NHA, however, ignored this and demanded that the people be relocated to Lambakin.

“These are only some of the charges against Laxa and the NHA, but the national government continues to turn a deaf ear to the complaints of the residents. The relocation site in Barangay Bayugo Meycauayan which was also picked out by the NHA and the Local Inter-agency Committee or LIAC against the wishes of the residents that they be relocated instead to Brgy. Libtong. The Bayugo area is also unfit for human habitation as it was formerly a fishpond and cemetery. The area is always flooded and continues to sink. #

NR1005:Martial law veteran says GMA and PNP thugs can do their worst...

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release October 5, 2005


72-year old Martial Law veteran says GMA and her PNP thugs can do their worst, but they will not emerge victorious against the people’s sovereign will expressing itself militantly in spilling out into the streets

Anakpawis Representative and veteran labor leader Crispin Beltran today said that the Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her thugs in the Philippine National Police (AFP) and cohorts in Congress can do their worst in attacking the civil, political and human rights of the Filipino people, but they will not have an easy victory. The 72-year old former political detainee under the Marcos dictatorship said that Mrs. Arroyo is all the more exposing her government to be viciously anti-people, and this will cement her place in Philippine history as one of the most fascistic presidents – apart from being corrupt and illegitimate—after Marcos.

“She will never again rest easy on her seat in Malacanang. The more she insist on remaining in power and the more vicious and underhanded her attacks against her legitimate political opponents and the constitutionally-sanctioned and guaranteed rights of freedom of assembly and expression, the more severe the backlash will be. Every drop of civilian blood that is spilled by her thugs in the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (PNP) in the course of the dispersals and the conduct of military operations defending her corrupt presidency will be eventually accounted for. Mrs. Arroyo’s reputation as a fledgling but rapidly developing dictator is now sealed,” he said.

Beltran said that he and fellow Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano as well as the lawmakers from Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women’s Party will fight tooth and nail along with other human rights advocates and civil libertarians within Congress and outside to oppose the anti-terrorism bill, the calibrated preemptive response policy, executive order 464 and other executive dictates curtailing freedom of speech and expression, and demonizing progressive and militant individuals and organizations as terrorists and destabilizers.

Beltran is slated to join the multisectoral protests today in Mendiola spearheaded by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and the Gloria Step Down! Movement. He said that the conduct of the police in dispersing the rallies in obeisance to Malacanang’s calibrated preemptive response policy towards protest was chillingly reminiscent of the dark days of the Marcos dictatorship. He said that Marcos gave no quarter no protestors and bore down hard on civilians joining the protests. “Macapagal-Arroyo is doing the exact same thing – only to some degree, what she’s doing is worse because did not have to declare to martial law to order the brutal crackdown on this most democratic form of political expression,” he said.

The activist lawmaker in the meantime said that PNP chief Arturo Lomibao should be sacked from his post and charged with massive counts of physical assault against demonstrators. “The last time I looked, there is no law stating that the PNP can attack unarmed protestors with shields, truncheons or steel knuckles. There in no justifying this blatant display of state terrorism. Lomibao cannot hide behind Malacanang on this issue. His accountability for the brutal dispersals is separate from the accountability of his corrupt commander in chief Macapagal-Arroyo,” he said. #

NR1006:GMA's 2006 GAA proposal a martial law budget

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran News Release October 6, 2005


Office of the President demanding P650 million for confidential and intelligence operations; GMA’s 2006 budget proposal a Martial Law budget

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that illegitimate president and rising dictator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s office was peopled by active personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police. He said that the Office of the President should be made to divulge the work background and experience of the staff and officers under its jurisdiction. Mrs. Arroyo’s executive secretary is Gen. Eduardo Ermita. He also said that there are 1,200 members of the Presidential Security Group.

“What are the motives of Mrs. Arroyo for giving key positions to active police and military elements? These men and women have been oriented in a military mindset, and trained in military operations. It’s highly doubtful that they’re genuinely qualified for civilian posts. And given the increasingly militarist character of the executive, it’s obvious that these days the Office of the President’s main goal is to quash all forms of political dissent and silence critics. Mrs. Arroyo wants approval for a Martial Law budget,” he said.

“Mrs. Arroyo has military men advising her. They’re the same ones urging her to take more hardline steps against the disillusioned and disgusted public, including the imposition of an unconstitutional ban on street protests as well as the implementation of national ID system and the railroading of an anti-terror law as well as other executive orders and decrees that curtail the Filipino people’s constituency’s civil and political rights,” he said.

The veteran labor leader also questioned the fact that Office of the President as the biggest share in the government? budget for Confidential and Intelligence Expenses. “The office of the executive is demanding a whopping P650 million budget for intelligence, just like it did -and was given -- in 2005. Even if the over-all allocations for confidential and intelligence operations has decreased in the 2006 proposal, the share of the Office of the President increased, from 49% to 52%. What? more, how this amount will be utilized is solely up to the discretion of the executive, given the stated explanations that the fund is to be released upon the approval of the President,” he pointed out.

‘It’s not a farfetched idea that these funds are actually going into the spy operations of Malacanang directed against the illegitimate president’s political opponents. Malacanang Palace should now be a virtual intelligence and spy lab with high-tech gadgetry given the massive budget it? appropriating for intelligence purposes,” he said. “Does Mrs. Arroyo have a penchant for spy thrillers, or has she become so relentlessly paranoid that she has set up surveillance cameras in every nook and cranny of Malacanang, including secret set-ups in the houses of her political adversaries?”

Beltran said that it’s indicative of Mrs. Arroyo’s increasing paranoia and the truth that the president has many, many enemies. “Otherwise, why should the President have the largest share of this fund in the first place considering that the Office of the President is neither the main investigating and intelligence gathering body of the national government?”

The activist lawmaker also slammed what he termed as the executive’s shameless hypocrisy in seeking funds of P3.0 million for the EDSA People Power Commission to conduct regular consultations with political and religious leaders to supposedly “heal the wounds of EDSA.” In her message concerning the budget, Mrs. Arroyo said that she will make sure that the pursuit of measures to address the issues and concerns of other groups that threaten the security of the nation shall be sustained.”

“Without doubt she is referring to the Filipino poor who remain at the forefront of protests against her corrupt and illegitimate presidency. The poor were the main bulk at EDSA 1, 2 and 3. She’s accusing the poor and the organizations that represent their interest as destabilizers,” he said. #

Nr1005:It's GMA the NBI should arrest

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B. Beltran
News Release October 5, 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


Malacanang ordering Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s arrest ‘tirang pikon;”It’s GMA the NBI should arrest and the key to her cell thrown away

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that if there’s anyone the National Bureau of Investigation should arrest, it’s illegitimate and corrupt president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He said that the threatened arrest of former presidential candidate and respected evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva was a pathetic political move on the part Mrs. Arroyo and her minions.

“Tirang pikon na ito ng Malacanang,” Beltran said. “Imagine making official announcements straight from the Justice secretary over a petty crime like estafa? When it’s the likes of Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Raul Gonzales defending your illegitimate presidency, you’re really in trouble.”

“First there’s Miriam Defensor Santiago mouthing off against Mrs. Cory Aquino and senate president Franklin Drilon and accusing them of hatching a coup de etat plot against the illegitimate president. Now here’s Raul Gonzales sounding high and mighty and ordering the NBI to seize Villanueva on unfounded charges of estafa. There really is no limit to how low Malacanang will go. So totally lacking in credibility and political uprightness is the incumbent administration that it has no qualms against lobbing the most ridiculous of charges against its political opponents on the one hand, and doing away with civil and human rights on the other.”

The veteran labor leader turned legislator that if Gonzales and other Malacanang spokespersons that they were winning points in credibility by launching a smear campaign against the likes of Villanueva and other staunch Arroyo critics, they were mistaken.

“The more Malacanang resorts to such underhanded tactics in the attempt to weaken the opposition and those who persist on exposing Macapagal-Arroyo’s corruption and rising tyranny, the bigger and wider the united front opposing Arroyo will be.”

“Macapagal-Arroyo is guilty of infinitely worse crimes than estafa or traffic obstruction which is what some brainless police authorities are charging protestors. She is guilty of single-handedly bringing the national economy to its knees and destroying all remaining vestiges of credibility in the Philippine electoral system. The NBI should arrest her and throw the key away,” he concluded. #

NR1005:Govt lying about smooth PNR demolition, relocation operations

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin B. Beltran
News Release October 5, 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


Gov’t demolition and relocation operations connected to NorthRail Project chaotic and violent; Residents say there will be bloodshed if gov’t continues project

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today slammed the Macapagal-Arroyo government for what he termed as ‘its countless lies’ regarding the construction of the Northrail which spans from Caloocan City to Malolos Bulacan. He said that Press Secretary Ignaico Bunye’s recent statement that the demolition of houses and the relocation of residents are going smoothly.

“Bunye is a liar, and so is every other government official who says that there are only little problems surrounding the Northrail Project,” he said. “Up to this very moment, thousands of Filipinos and their families are living like war refugees with no hope of recovery.” Beltran yesterday filed House Resolution 972 calling for investigations into the violence and chaos that has erupted during the demolition operations, calling attention in particular to Vice-president P Noli de Castro’s accountability as head of demolition and relocation operations.

Beltran said that the residents hold both de Castro and Macapagal-Arroyo for the violent demolitions and all the anomalies and irregularities behind the relocation projects. “De Castro, in particular is the one directly supervising the clearing and relocation operations for the PNR Modernization Project. He the main official to blame should there be bloodshed in the communities. The Vice President allegedly threatened the police that failure to thwart any and all opposition from residents to have their houses demolished would lead to the police officers’ deployment to Mindanao,” he said.

Beltran cited reports that at least 40,000 families whose homes are under threat of being demolished because of Northrail rehabilitation project. The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) estimates that the government needs to shell out at least P6.6 billion in resettlement costs, the source of which is yet to be identified. The HUDCC targets to finish demolitions by the end of October 2005.

“Government reports that 7,297 families from Metro Manila and 1,401 from Bulacan have already been relocated, but there is nothing being said about the appalling situation in the relocation sites. Evicted families, in not a few cases, moved out of their resettlement sites as these are unaffordable to the poor and lack basic facilities such as water supply, electricity, drainage and sewerage systems and health centers and schools, as well as job opportunities. It’s like living in a prison without walls,” he said.

“The makeshift houses are made of cheap and flimsy construction materials, and the measly funds the government has given for each relocate is far from being enough to build real shelters.”

Beltran said that those in relocation sites such as Bignay in Valenzuela and Lambakin in Marilao are getting 32-square meter-lots for P100,000 payable in 25 years. The relocation site in Lambakin is a nine-hectare land where Marilao railway dwellers are being forced to move despite their preferred site in Loma de Gato, which already met NHA standards.

“It’s a chaotic, inefficient operation the government is running here, and its should be fully exposed. While the National Housing Authority boasts of the achievements of its North Rail relocation program, evicted families and NGOs working with them say that the government resettlement program is beset with corruption and is bogged down by disputes among local officials, residents and the NHA,” he said.

“It is for these reasons that residents of Bulacan recently reaffirmed their determination to defend their homes along the railway tracks. They reiterated that there would be bloodshed if the government led by Mrs. Arroyo and the vice-president would push through with the project.”

Beltran said that on September 21, 2005, seven people were seriously injured and scores others were hurt when the demolition team attempted to demolish small commercial establishments located along McArthur Highway onwards to SM Marilao. The demolition crew armed with crowbars, steel mallets and other implements attacked residents who dared defend their homes by forming barricades.

The seven civilians who were hit by crowbars and mallets in the head, arms, chest, shoulders and legs were: Lily Duque, 43, a washerwoman; Lorna Rodriguez, 45, street eatery vendor; Alan Moises, 48, laborer; Rodolfo Milan, 48, unemployed; Roberto Cayabyab, 48, paints store owner; Ariel Punzalan, 35, butcher assistant; and Romeo Concepcion, unemployed. They were rushed to Christ the King Clinic in Meycauayan by their neighbors.#