Protest rally for GMAs ouster, not 'low-key celebrations', more befitting for EDSA 1 commemoration

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Reference: Rep. Crispin Beltran

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 931-6615 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http://www.geocities.com/ap_news



* *

*NEWS RELEASE*

*21 February 2006*



*Protest rally for GMAs ouster, not 'low-key celebrations', more befitting
for EDSA 1 commemoration—solon *



A massive protest rally calling for the ouster of a corrupt and dictatorial
President, and not the Administration's so-called 'low-key' commemorative
celebrations, is the more fitting way for the Filipino people to celebrate
the EDSA anniversary, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran said today.



"On these days commemorating the just ouster of an anti-people regime, it is
only right that we show our collective disgust and rejection of President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who has bastardized the masses' aspirations for EDSA
as a means for social change, and fed upon the gains of People Power like a
vile bird of prey, a rabid dog, or a parasitic leech," Beltran said.



"As a direct 'beneficiary' of the political shifts brought about by People
Power, GMA has miserably failed to deliver the social reforms that she
promised during EDSA 2: access to free education, housing, nutrition and
health services, land and labor reforms, and the like. In fact, she has
quickly morphed into an anti-poor, fascist, and illegitimate excuse for a
head of state—a monster in the Palace," he said.



The EDSA 1 and 2 veteran said that he would be one of the solons supporting
the February 24 (Friday) rally spearheaded by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
(BAYAN) pressing for Pres. Arroyo's removal from office.



"It is only apt that we expose Malacañang's mockery of EDSA by a dose of
People Power from the toiling masses," he said.



Beltran reiterated the call for GMA's ouster in 2006 and the institution of
a peoples' governing transition council as the most viable alternative to
Pres. Arroyo's plan to remain in power until 2010 or longer.



"The past two EDSAs have taught us to not place our trust in individual
politicians such as GMA who do not intend to institute genuine social
change. A transition governing council, composed of representatives from the
forces involved in the ouster of GMA and basic societal sectors—such as the
workers, peasants, fisherfolk, urban poor, women, youth, migrants, and
national minorities—would be a more viable venue for instituting social
reforms," he said.



Beltran also said that he will continue "calling for all patriotic forces in
the military to withdraw their support for GMA and join the broad and
welcome ranks of the toiling masses who want GMA out of the Palace as a
first step towards social change ". ###