Beltran condemns illegal detention and interrogation of trade union leader

From the Office of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
Lisa Ito, Public Information Officer (0927-796-7006)

NEWS RELEASE
April 27, 2006

Beltran condemns illegal detention and interrogation of trade union leader,
says police are ganging up on workers even before May 1 rally

Anakpawis Congressman and veteran labor leader Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran condemned the illegal arrest, detention, and interrogation of Association of Democratic Labor Organization (ADLO-Kilusang Mayo Uno) trade union organizer Arturo Macalalag yesterday night.

"Even before the Labor Day rally, it's the police who are instigating violence and harassment against workers, and not the other way around," Beltran said, while confined at the Room 427 of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC).

"This is a condemnable act of political harassment, no different from the political harassment of the Department of Justice against Theresa Pangilinan and us six progressive party list solons. It is an obvious maneuver to intimidate workers in the hopes of discouraging them from airing out their clamor and demands for a better life on the upcoming Labor Day rally," Beltran said.

According to a report by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR), Macalalag went missing after he failed to appear in a meeting for the ADLO's preparation for the upcoming May Day celebration. Before his colleagues eventually contact with Macalalag, he was able to tell them that he was in the vicinity of Mantrade in Makati City.A quick reaction team spearheaded by the KMU and the CTUHR later confirmed that Macalaglag was arrested and detained at the Southern Police District (SPD) Station 3 at Evangelista St. in Bgy. Bangkal, Makati City.

He was apprehended by a mobile patrol along Walter Mart and was forcibly taken to Station 3. While at the station, he was harassed and interrogated by police and intelligence agents. He was physically assaulted and held at gunpoint by his captors. After failing to extract information from Macalalag, the police released him at around 9 pm.###

Two more reasons to rally on May 1

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 431-6615 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news

NEWS RELEASE
April 27, 2006

Two more reasons to rally on May 1:
Unjust and insensitive DOLE wage freeze and deceptive 'poverty-alleviation' schemes

Millions of workers throughout the Philippines will have all the more reason to rally on May 1 because of the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) recent announcement that no support for a wage hike should be expected from them this Labor Day, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran said.

Isssuing the message from Room 427 of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC), where he is being treated for various cardiovascular diseases. Beltran slammed DOLE Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas for her statement that there would be no wage hike on Labor Day and that Filipino workers should just leave the issue of wage increases to be arbited upon by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPB).

"This announcement by Sec. Sto. Tomas smacks of utter insensitivity and callousness to the plight of Filipino workers, who can not even manage to bring home decent food on the table and send their children to school. The DOLE is passing the buck to the regional wage boards, which are neither that intent or interested in granting much-needed salary increases for workers," Beltran said.

The veteran labor leader soundly slammed the "Arroyo administration's thick-faced denial of the long-delayed demand for wage increases". "Sto. Tomas is practically endorsing a poorer and harder life for millions of Filipino workers in the private sector," Beltran said.

The Anakpawis solon observed that "before, the Arroyo government used to issue false and empty promises of a wage hike before Labor Day. Now, it has shed off all pretense at upholding workers' interests and has thrown all semblance of protecting workers' rights to a living wage out of the window".

"Pres. Arroyo should not be surprised if millions of Filipino workers decide to reject her administration in the same way that the DOLE has rejected the possibility of a wage hike," Beltran said.

Beltran added that "there is little comfort or consolation to be derived in the Arroyo government's much-flaunted 'Trabaho Muna! Labor Day Jobs and Livelihood Fair' held simultaneously with the International Labor Day rallies; these are only deceptive opportunities that skirt the basic issue of the workers' six-year demand for a P125 wage increase".

"The job fair is a drop in the bucket in terms of addressing the country's massive unemployment problem faced by 4 million jobless Filipinos. The Arroyo government itself estimates that only 30,000 jobs will be generated through this job fair. And it still adheres to the framework of temporary exporting workers as a poverty-reducing strategy," Beltran observed.

"These infuriating schemes will only give workers more reason to rally on May 1. Whatever show of outrage and clamor poured on the streets on the Labor Day rally is justified because of the oppressive and unbearable policies of this administration," Beltran said. ###

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 431-6615 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news

NEWS RELEASE
April 26, 2006

Ka Bel undergoing much-needed medical tests at Heart Center



Much-needed medical examinations for Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran have started since his admission at Room 427 of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) yesterday afternoon.



Upon arrival at the PHC yesterday, Beltran underwent a 2D Echo Doppler examination, which evaluates the size, thickness and movement of heart structures, such as chambers and valves. Today, Beltran underwent a Carotid Doppler examination and a Blood Chemistry examination.



Doppler is a special ultrasound examination that assesses a patient's blood flow. The results of the first three examinations are expected to be released to Beltran's family soon, said his daughter Olivia Lalusis.



Beltran will also be undergoing other medical and laboratory tests under the direct supervision of Philippine Heart Center cardiologist Dr. Roberto Raymundo: Complete Blood Count, Urinalysis, Electrocardiography, Chest X-ray, Carotid Duplex Scan, and Possible Stress Thallium. Beltran will also be undergoing intensive treatment for hypertensive cardiovascular disease.



This is Beltran's second time to be confined at the PHC. In 2003, he was confined for a week at the hospital for chest pains related to angina, a heart ailment. Beltran also suffered from a mild stroke in June 2005. He was confined for a week at the Far Eastern University Hospital and was discharged with home medications.



A Medical Report issued early this April by Health Action for Human Right (HAHR) physicians Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Reginaldo L. Pamugas , and Melani Hernandez-Sionzon disclosed that Beltran was suffering from many health ailments such as hypercholesterolemia, gouty arthritis, nutritional anemia, diabetes mellitus Type 2, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.



Beltran's doctor disappointed over PNP delay in transfer



Meanwhile, one of Beltran's personal doctors, Dr. Reginaldo Pamugas from the Health Action for Human Rights (HAHR) expressed disappointment over Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao's statement yesterday saying that the delay in Ka Bel's transfer to the PHC from Camp Crame was because Beltran's physicians were not readily available for consultation and because other procedural processes has to be followed.



"That accusation is incorrect. The delay was on the part of the PNP leadership, it seems. From Day One since we evaluated Cong. Beltran's health condition, we have recommended his immediate transfer to the PHC. Beltran's doctor also talked to the PNP on the day the implementing order was released by the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC), so there was no reason to delay Cong. Beltran's transfer for nearly 24 hours after the receipt of the order. I hope SSupt. Pagdilao gets his facts right and looks at their own culpability and delaying tactics first, instead of issuing such irresponsible statements," Pamugas said. #



Reference: Dr. Reginaldo Pamugas (0916-3533664).

Beltran chides Palace on 'rally phobia' and addiction to political repression

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 431-6615 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news


NEWS RELEASE

April 25, 2006

Beltran chides Palace on 'rally phobia' and addiction to political repression:

Support for workers' wage hikes and rights is not destabilization!

Is the Palace all too eager to impose another state of national emergency?

While awaiting the upcoming Labor Day rally from Room 427 of the Philippine Heart Center, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran chided Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor for warning that the President would proclaim a state of national emergency should the May 1 rallies escalate into "armed violence" as a "sure sign of Pres. Arroyo's 'rally phobia' and salivating eagerness to impose another state of national emergency".


"What 'armed violence' is Sec. Defensor ranting about? Overt public support for workers' wage hike and rights is not destabilization. Rallying for a P125 legislated across-the-board wage hike is not terrorism," Beltran said.

"It's sick to hear how the Palace is so intent on suppressing workers' initiatives to air their grievances on Labor Day, when from Day One of the Arroyo administration the President has not uttered a sentence or a single word of support for the six-year demand for a P125 wage hike. Modesty aside, this dictatorial Arroyo government has even illegally arrested and jailed the principal proponent of a Congressional bill seeking to realize this clamor for a significant wage increase," Beltran said. House Bill 0345, which aims to legislate the said wage hike, is pending at the plenary of the Lower House up to now.


"The only threat of armed violence that I see on May 1 is the armed violence of the anti-riot police and the military personnel against workers who are asserting their rights to a better life, should the Palace use them to impose its draconian political suppression as it did last February 24," Beltran said. The veteran labor leader also dismissed the Armed Forces of the Philippines's 'wildcat conspiracy theories, sub-plots and 'Oplans' of a withdrawal of military support of May 1', saying that "Arroyo's top brass are afraid of their own shadow".


Beltran spared no kind words for the Palace's most recent "alarm scenarios", calling it a symptom of the Arroyo administration's sick framework of governance. "This veiled threat from the Palace is a sure symptom of the Arroyo administration's morbidity and its sick policies. Pres. Gloria Arroyo is in an advanced stage of 'rally phobia', while Secretary Defensor seems to be suffering from hallucinations in his amusing ability to see specters of destabilization from traditional days of protest such as Labor Day, to even the smallest picket. This administration seems to be hopelessly addicted to political suppression and the smell of blood. Such government officials are beyond rehabilitation," Beltran said.

Beltran served as former chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) for a decade. His fiery and impassioned speeches in defense of workers rights have been a staple of Labor Day rallies for decades. ###

Today marks 2nd month in illegal detention

FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT (FKBM)

NEWS RELEASE

April 25, 2006

Today marks 2nd month in illegal detention:

Ka Bel still in Crame despite court's transfer order yesterday

Supporters slam PNP leadership's delaying tactics, intend to file court complaint


Despite the clear issuance of a court transfer order yesterday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership under its Director-General Arturo Lomibao is "clearly employing delaying tactics to keep Ka Bel longer in Camp Crame", family and supporters of illegally-detained Anakpawis solon Crispin Beltran say.


Dennis Maga, spokesperson of the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) scored PNP Director-General Arturo Lomibao's failure to issue a go signal for Ka Bel's transfer to the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) despite the PNP's receipt of the court implementing order yesterday noon.


"We denounce the PNP leadership, particularly Director-General Arturo Lomibao, for failing to decisively and immediately execute the court order upon its receipt. In as much as we wanted to give the PNP the benefit of the doubt at first, yesterday's disappointing and infuriating events at Camp Crame only proves that some people in high places is deliberately delaying the execution of the court order to keep Ka Bel for a little longer in Crame," Maga said.


On April 17, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino of the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137 approved Congressman Beltran's transfer to a hospital of his choice. She signed the implementing order for "PNP Director-General Lomibao [to] oversee the safe and expeditious transport and conduct of Beltran to the [PHC] on [April 24, 2006]" at around 10:00 am yesterday.


"No such execution of the order occurred yesterday. The document ordering Beltran's transfer on April 24 2006 was forwarded by the court to the PNP yesterday early noon, yet was not decisively acted upon. We went to Camp Crame at around 3 pm yesterday to follow up Ka Bel's transfer, but were just passed around from one department to another, all of which vaguely promised to follow-up the order. We waited until around 11 in the evening for any developments, but none came," Maga recalled.


Maga said that Beltran's supporters and family would be filing the "appropriate complaints against the PNP's inaction and slow-paced implementation in court soon.


Maga also slammed PNP Spokesperson SSupt Samuel Pagdilao's press statement yesterday, claiming that Beltran's transfer was being processed but was unlikely to take place that evening. "Ssupt Pagdilao's attempt to justify the delay through bureaucratic red tape and procedural delays only skirts the issue. What happened yesterday was the a clear violation of the MRTC order," Maga said.


"It seems that everyone except Gen. Lomibao is ready to have Ka Bel transferred asap. Ka Bel's doctors from both the PNP-GH and the PHC have been patiently waiting for his transfer ever since yesterday. His family has already secured Room 427 of the PHC for his transfer. Even the other PNP departments we talked to yesterday, such as the Headquarters Service Support Command, claimed to be ready for the transfer. What we have all been waiting for is a simple go signal from Gen. Lomibao," Maga said.


Maga added that the simultaneous decentralized workers protests today would also denounce the PNP's delay of Ka Bel's transfer and the political harassment waged by the Arroyo administration against the six progressive parliamentarians.


Beltran will be spending his 60th day (2nd month) in Camp Crame today. He was arrested without warrant on February 25 by elements of the PNP-CIDG.



Reference: Dennis Maga, FKM Spokesperson (0927-399-6227)

Supporters press for Cong. Beltran's release

FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT
An alliance for the immediate release of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran, true leader of the Filipino people

NEWS RELEASE
April 24, 2005

In anticipation of go signal for Ka Bel's transfer to hospital
Supporters press for Cong. Beltran's release

Supporters of Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran staked it out in front of Camp Crame earlier this morning while awaiting the implementing order for Beltran's transfer to the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) signed by Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino earlier this morning.

Workers, urban poor, youth, and migrants from the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM), a broad alliance calling for the immediate release of the illegally-detained solon, staged a support gathering today in front of Camp Crame as a gesture of solidarity and support for Ka Bel's release from Camp Crame, FKBM Spokesperson Dennis Maga said. The supporters included members of Anakpawis, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kadamay, Migrante, and Anakbayan.

"The court order for Ka Bel's transfer to a hospital is a partial victory in the continuing fight for Cong. Beltran's liberty. We will not stop at his transfer to the hospital. We will continue to press for Ka Bel's release and the dropping of the false and fabricated charges against him and the five other party list solons," Maga said.

"The Arroyo government has done a great injustice to the Filipino toiling masses by illegally detaining Cong. Beltran for too long, despite the obviously fabricated charges slapped against him and lack of clear and substantial evidence hastily submitted by prosecutors from the Department of Justice," Maga said. B

Beltran will be spending in two months as a political detainee in Camp Crame tomorrow after his arrest last February 25.

"Ka Bel's continuing detention at Camp Crame is condemnable and unjust not only because the government has detained an ailing 73-year old parliamentarian and veteran labor leader. It is an obvious manifestation of the brutal political repression being waged by Pres. Gloria Arroyo against her critics and among the civilian populace who want her to step down," Maga said.

Beltran is expected to be transferred to the PHC after the Philippine National Police's (PNP) receives the MRTC implementing order.

On April 17, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino of the MRTC Branch 137 approved Congressman Beltran's transfer to a hospital of his choice. In consideration of Beltran's various cardiovascular diseases, lawyers filed their request the following day for Beltran's transfer to the PHC along East Avenue in Quezon City.

Despite being 73 years old, Beltran was illegally arrested and jailed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) since February 25, 2006, on fabricated and malicious charges. This has contributed to the precarious deterioration of his health, necessitating his detention at the PNP General Hospital since March 2. ###

Reference: FKBM Spokesperson Dennis Maga (0927-399-6227)

Beltran's transfer to hospital expected tomorrow

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news



PRESS RELEASE
April 23, 2005

Beltran's transfer to hospital expected tomorrow
Ka Bel supporters await go signal from court

Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran is expected to be transferred to the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) anytime this week as the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) is set to give the go signal to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the illegally-detained solon's temporary release from Camp Crame.

On April 17, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino of the MRTC Branch 137 approved Congressman Beltran's transfer to a hospital of his choice. In consideration of Beltran's various cardiovascular diseases, lawyers filed their request the following day for Beltran's transfer to the PHC along East Avenue in Quezon City.

Beltran's lawyers from the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) have received notice that the order for transfer is already lodged at the MRTC Branch 137 since last Friday.

It is yet to be signed, though, by Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino as she was reportedly ill late last week and was unable to go to the MRTC.

This request is expected to be approved hopefully by tomorrow morning by Judge Delorino and forwarded to the PNP for implementation immediately after.

Meanwhile, Beltran's supporters from the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) will be holding a support gathering to await Beltran's transfer to the PHC tomorrow, April 24 (Monday), in front of Camp Crame, FKBM Spokesperson Dennis Maga said.

"The PNP need not raise its red alert. This will be a peaceful gathering and 'pagsalubong' of Ka Bel's supporters. We have long asserted that he be released from detention in Camp Crame on humanitarian grounds while the legal battle for his liberty and justice continues," Maga said.

Despite being 73 years old, Beltran was illegally arrested and jailed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) since February 25, 2006, on fabricated and malicious charges. This has contributed to the precarious deterioration of his health, necessitating his detention at the PNP General Hospital since March 2. ###

MEDIA ADVISORY

FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT
An alliance for the immediate release of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran, true leader of the Filipino people

MEDIA ADVISORY
April 23, 2005
Attention: QC and Crame beats

Despite being 73 years old, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran has been illegally arrested and jailed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) since February 25, 2006, on fabricated and malicious charges. This has contributed to the precarious deterioration of his health, necessitating his detention at the PNP General Hospital since March 2. Since then, Beltran's supporters and lawyers have called for Ka Bel's release on humanitarian grounds while the legal battle for Congressman Beltran's liberty drags on.

On April 17, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino of the the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137 approved Congressman Beltran's transfer to a hospital of his choice. Beltran's lawyers filed their request the following day for Beltran's transfer to the Philippine Heart Center¬ (PHC) along East Avenue, Quezon City. This request is expected to be approved tomorrow morning by the MRTC and forwarded to the PNP for implementation immediately after.

As a gesture of vigilance and support, workers and migrants from the FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT (FKBM) will peacefully assemble tomorrow, April 24 (Monday), in front of Camp Crame, to await Ka Bel's expected transfer to the PHC.

SUPPORT GATHERING
OF WORKERS AND MIGRANTS
FOR KA BEL'S TRANSFER
Assembly at ANAKPAWIS National Headquarters
10 AM, April 24, 2006 (MONDAY)
at #56 K-9 St. Kamias, Quezon City
(near Holy Family Parish)
ETA of Beltran's supporters is at 10:30 AM at Camp Crame


MEDIA COVERAGE IS REQUESTED.
Photo opportunities available.


For inquiries, please contact FKBM Spokesperson Dennis Maga (0927-399-6227)
or Anakpawis headquarters at 426-99442. Thank you!

It's high time to repeal EPIRA, oil deregulation law

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news



NEWS RELEASE
April 20, 2004


Beltran urges Congress amidst soaring oil prices:
It's high time to repeal EPIRA, oil deregulation law


At this time of soaring oil prices, the government should ensure the passage of laws curbing foreign monopoly control on oil and privatization of our fuel resources, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran said today.


Beltran renewed his call for the prioritization and passage of House Bills (HBs) 1065 and 2530, both pending at the Committee on Energy for nearly a year since May 4, 2005. Beltran is the principal author of the both HBs.


HB 1065, perhaps the shortest bill on record with only two sections, seeks to repeal Republic Act (RA) 8479 or the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998. Its comprehensive explanatory note, however, argues that the deregulation of the downstream oil industry has enabled the existing big oil companies in the Philippines to develop into a profit-driven cartel, manipulating and overpricing gasoline and other petroleum products in the market to the detriment of the public.


HB 2530, meanwhile, aims to repeal RA 9136 or the Electric Industry Reform Act of 2001 (filed on August 20, 2004), in light of its detrimental effects on consumers and the national economy due to the institutionalization of private monopoly control by local electric monopolies and their independent power producers (IPPs) and foreign IPPs.

Beltran renewed his calls for the passage of the two HBs in light of the approval of Senate Bill No. 2226, or the proposed Biofuels Act of 2006 aiming to reduce the country's dependence on imported oil through the use of bio-fuels.

"It's not just enough to pass legislation mandating the domestic use of locally-produced fuels. The government should ensure that monopoly control and profit-driven production take a back seat to providing affordable energy sources to the Filipino people. Are we really interested in providing cheap and accessible fuel sources for local use? Or is this administration more interested in seeking alternative fuel sources to sell to foreign corporations and investors?" Beltran said.

Beltran cautioned that "ultimately, big foreign corporations making profits out of local alternative fuel sources will not result in cheaper and more democratic energy sources for the Filipino people".

"Our bitter and literally costly experiences with the overpricing of foreign oil companies and foreign-owned independent power producers should teach us that we should prioritize national interest and the local consumers over that of foreign or elite interests," Beltran said.

"HBs 1065 and 2530 are among the proposed laws that will clear the rubble of profit-driven energy distribution and can help set the parameters for an equitable peoples' fuel production and distribution policy," Beltran said.

Beltran issued the statement while in detention at Camp Crame's General Hospital. He is currently awaiting the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 137's go signal for his transfer to a hospital of his choice for further medical monitoring and care. ###

Do a Thaksin, Beltran urges GMA on her birthday

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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





News Release

April 5, 2006



Do a Thaksin, Beltran urges GMA on her birthday



Do a real sacrifice for the good of the Filipino people and step down as Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra did yesterday, illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran advised President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on her birthday today.



"My wish for President Arroyo on her birthday is to discern and sincerely reflect on how her policies and moves for political exigency since the year 2000 are slowly tearing apart the fabric of Philippine society. I hope that the President realizes the depth and breadth of economic hardship, societal turmoil, violations of civil, political, and human rights, and erosion of national credibility her continuing stay in the Palace has caused," Beltran said.



"Prime Minister Thaksin's resignation yesterday has taught us the lesson that no head of state is indispensable and irreplaceable, if our government officials are indeed interested in upholding the welfare of the nation's majority. In the interest of preventing further hardship and turmoil among the Filipino toiling masses, I hope that Pres. Arroyo imbibes this message and seriously mulls over other viable options to her controversial and scandal-ridden stay in the Palace," Beltran said.



"If Thaksin can do it, GMA can," he added.



"It should shame the President that so many civilians and freedom-loving people have been killed, harassed, and suppressed during her term. We have clearly seen how Pres. Arroyo's various ploys to stay in power have yielded appalling and internationally-condemned human rights violations, such as the political harassment against progressive parliamentarians and the suspicious and still unresolved killings of activists and journalists," Beltran said.



The 73-year old solon and veteran labor leader is currently among the oldest political detainees under the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.



"I'm sure many will be pleased if GMA voluntarily leaves Malaca�ang as her birthday gift to the Filipino people. One only has to look at the Social Weather Stations November 17 to December 4 2005 survey, showing that 54 percent of respondents were dissatisfied with GMA's performance, and the SWS poll from February 18 to March 4, 2006, which shows that 59% of respondents want GMA to resign," Beltran said. ###

Charter Change to benefit GMA, not the Filipino people

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

April 19, 2006



Charter Change to benefit GMA, not the Filipino people



Anti-GMA Pinoys in favour of Charter Change won't be riding the Cha-Cha train for long if they realize that this is only a scheme meant to entrench GMA and her cohorts in power, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran said today while in illegal detention at the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNP-GH) in Camp Crame.



Beltran said this in reaction to the Pulse Asia survey conducted from February 14 to March 4, showing that 59 percent of Filipinos thought it would be best if the President resigned. 46 percent of these anti-GMA Filipinos wanted the 1987 Constitution changed. The Pulse Asia survey also indicted that only 12 percent of Filipinos want both Cha-Cha and GMA's stay as President.



"The Arroyo administration is taking anti-GMA Filipinos for a ride when it promises a better life through Charter Change. This is the most preposterous bluff I have heard lately," Beltran said.



"Sorry to have burst the bubbles of pro-Charter Change Filipinos, but the Charter Change peddled by the Arroyo administration wants is not the one that will bring salvation, peace, and security to the Filipino toiling masses. This time, Pres. Gloria Arroyo is using Charter Change for political expediency and personal gain, not for genuine pro-poor reforms," Beltran said.



Beltran said that Charter Change would only "shuffle the existing configurations of corrupt, anti-poor, and devious traditional politicians who perpetuate the existing oppressive system of governance".



"Charter Change will not necessarily change the welfare of the Filipino toiling masses for the better. There is no guarantee that the Arroyo-endorsed shift from a Presidential to a parliamentary system will result in pro-poor reforms and clean governance that many anti-GMA Filipinos aspire for," Beltran stressed.



"The shift in the forms of governance that Cha-Cha wants will not fundamentally change the rotten and corrupted state of governance we are fighting against. Nothing will change if the same corrupt, anti-poor, and anti-Filipino traditional politicians from the current Presidential system, such as Pres. Gloria Arroyo, are still the same ones lording it over the parliamentary system promised by Charter Change. Trash is still trash. Its still the same rotten pile of apples, no matter how differently one tries to package or market it. It might look good at first, but it will still leave a bad taste in the mouth," Beltran explained.



Beltran added that Charter Change would also "open the floodgates for more controversial and oppressive economic policies, particularly those concerning foreign involvement in the national economy".



"It is true that there are some provisions in the current Constitution that are in need of strengthening, such as provisions on the protection of national patrimony, sovereignty, and human rights. But these are definitely not the policy changes being railroaded by the Arroyo Cha-Cha train. In fact, the Consultative Commission in December 2005 proposed the lifting of protective provisions contained in Articles XII (National Economy and Patrimony) and XVI (General Provisions) that bar foreign nationals and corporations from participating in the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, the operation of public utilities, the ownership of industrial or commercial land, educational institutions, mass media, and advertising," Beltran said.



"Before boarding the Cha-Cha train, I hope that all freedom-loving Filipinos take a long and strong look to the destination where it's headed: to a fatal precipice," Beltran said. ###

Surging oil price hikes will hit the poor most, Beltran warns

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

April 19, 2006



Surging oil price hikes will hit the poor most, Beltran warns
Solon sees 'summer of discontent' for the Filipino poor peaking on Labor Day



It will be a 'summer of discontent' for the Filipino toiling masses in the face of surging oil prices, R-VAT, low wages, and unemployment, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran said today.



"Unfortunately, the domino effect of world oil prices hitting $71 a barrel on the crisis-ridden Philippine economy will be hitting the Filipino toiling masses the most. The corresponding hikes in basic rates, prices, and services are alarming, concerning that one out of three Filipinos lives in dire poverty, and one out of every five families subsists on P50 a day. Filipino workers and their families will barely cope with any more additional expenses, especially in the delay of a P125 across-the-board nationwide wage hike for private sector workers and a P3,000 across-the-board salary increase for government employees," the veteran labor leader warned while in illegal detention at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame.



"More Filipinos going hungry this year will be a major source of discontent among the populace. With one out of ten Filipinos jobless, the Philippines has the highest unemployment rate among 14 Asia-Pacific economies. Ten million of the few employed Filipinos are in seasonal work. The hunger levels reported during the last quarter polls for 2005 are already alarming enough, how much more with these recent developments?" Beltran said.



The veteran labor leader, awaiting his transfer to a hospital of his choice, said that 'this state of discontent and hardship among the Filipino toiling masses is expected to be articulated in the celebrations of International Labor Day on May 1".



Beltran said that Labor Day was a traditional day of protest "where the Filipino toiling masses and working classes raise collective protest over the prevailing state of poverty and the Arroyo administration's overwhelming inability to uplift the conditions of the Filipino poor".



Beltran also slammed the Palace's "obviously misplaced perspective" in quelling societal discontent.



"Instead of continually bawling about how the Philippine National Police (PNP) is on red alert for the May 1 protests, the Arroyo administration should instead turn reflect on and address its severe lack of poverty-alleviation policies. The PNP and the Palace should not be on red alert for any fabricated wildcat conspiracy to overthrow the Arroyo administration on May 1. They should not be alarmed, nor try to sow fear among the public, at the large numbers of demonstrators expected on Labor Day. The nation's workers, peasants, fisherfolk, urban poor, and the unemployed will all have valid reason to join the May 1 rallies because they can no longer endure the hardship and suffering the Arroyo administration has directly and indirectly brought about," Beltran said. ###

Court okays Beltran's transfer to a private hospital

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

Reference : Rep. Crispin Beltran (+63)927.871.1080

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

April 18, 2006



Court okays Beltran's transfer to a private hospital
But denies Motion to Release and to attend Congress sessions



Freedom remains elusive for illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran despite a recent court ruling permitting his transfer to a private hospital.



Yesterday, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino of the the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137 issued a favourable resolution on the prayer to transfer Beltran to a private hospital with adequate facilities and doctors to address his medical problems, provided that the expense for such treatment and/or confinement shall be at Beltran's expense.



In the same resolution, however, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino, denied the Motion to Release Accused Crispin Beltran with Alternative Prayer to Allow Him to Attend Plenary Sessions and Committee Hearings of Congress and the alternative prayer to have Beltran placed under the protective custody of the House of Representatives. Beltran has been growing increasingly apprehensive about his forced absence from Congress sessions, as this severely limits his freedom to lobby for the passage of pro-labor legislation, such as the long-delayed House Bill 0345, which aims to legislate a P125 across-the-board nationwide wage hike for workers in the private sector.



The MRTC agreed that Beltran was in need of medical services and facilities beyond what the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNP-GH) could provide. "The evidence presented by both sides establishes that [Beltran] indeed suffers from a serious, if not life-threatening, ailment considering his medical history and advanced age. To the mind of the Court, it is apparent that his present circumstances have a direct bearing on his health condition. Consequently, a more intensive examination by a cardiologist of his choice and comprehensive laboratory tests in a private hospital with more sophisticated facilities may be a means to arrest further deterioration of his cardiovascular condition and stabilize his general health and well-being," Judge Aldecoa-Delorino wrote.



For the implementation of the order, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino ordered Beltran's counsel, Atty. Romeo Capulong, to manifest within five (5) days from the receipt of the order, the (1) name and address of the private hospital located in Metro Manila, where Beltran will be brought for medical examination and treatment, (2) the nature of the medical examination, laboratory tests, and treatment to be conducted, (3) the date when the medical examination shall commence and the estimated length of confinement, and (4) the attending physicians.



The PNP previously demanded that Beltran be brought back to the PNP-GH after the completion of the required medical examinations. The MRTC, however, gave Beltran's doctors the discretion to set the time frame of Beltran's confinement.



"As to how long, if ever, he needs to be confined, that is better left to the expertise and recommendation of the cardiologist and other physicians who will attend to him. The period of his stay in a private hospital will no doubt help in stabilizing his health condition, for as observed by [PSupt Marjorie Hazel R. Comandao, M.D., Chief of the Neuro-Psychiatric Section of the PNPGH], his "present circumstances add to the emotional and psychological stress manifested as anxiety and anger which somehow affects his medical condition ," Judge Aldecoa-Delorino noted.



Beltran;s lawyers will be submitting the request indicating the hospital of his choice before Friday.

Beltran, meanwhile, expressed hopes that the court would also eventually dismiss the 'fabricated and utterly malicious' rebellion raps filed against him by the Department of Justice (DOJ).



"I hope the court will eventually dismiss these uncalled for and suppressive charges against me. The charges of rebellion and sedition were clearly drummed up by the DOJ and the PNP to illegally detain me in Camp Crame and unjustly harass my five other colleagues in Congress. These malicious and ill-supported charges will not hold water for long under the scrutiny of the law and of the genuine dispensers of justice," Beltran said. ###

Only the Palace is afraid of the Mayuga report --Beltran

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

April 18, 2006



Only the Palace is afraid of the Mayuga report�Beltran



Even Camp Aguinaldo 's neighbour from Camp Crame isn't amused by the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) refusal to make public the controversial 'Mayuga Report'.



"What is there for the AFP to hide? Obviously, they are obeying directives from Malaca�ang prohibiting its public dissemination," illegally-detained Anakpawis congressman Crispin Beltran said while in detention at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame.



"Only the Palace is afraid of the truth-or the untruth-behind the Mayuga report. The AFP's Commander-in-Chief is obviously afraid of its repercussions if it is released for the whole Philippines to ponder on. It has refused to release a copy to the Senate and to the House of Representatives for purposes of inquiry during the 'Hello Garci' probe. The Palace gave a go signal to release the report summary only after the Garci probe has subsided in Congress, even timing its partial release during Holy Week," Beltran noted.



"The Palace has even more to fear if the Mayuga report turns out to be nothing more than a flimsy excuse for a probe, if it is nothing but a sham investigation meant to set the generals indicted in the 'Hello Garci' tapes scot-free. This repeated cover-up of the truth will further erode the Arroyo administration's credibility�rather than restore it�and cause more unrest among the discontented and suffering populace and the military rank-and-file who attest to the charges of massive cheating in favour of the Arroyo camp during the 2004 elections," Beltran said.



Beltran slammed AFP Spokesman Maj. Gen. Jose Angel Honrado's challenge to critics to provide evidence disproving the report.



"Who is he fooling? Maj. Gen. Honrado's dare is utterly illogical and all jumbled up. How can one scrutinize�let alone disprove�a report if one has not even seen a single page of it yet? The AFP should first make public the complete contents of the report for scrutiny if they are indeed serious in getting to the truth behind the Mayuga report," Beltran said.



The 73-year old solon was arrested without warrant on February 25, and remains in illegal detention at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame. Beltran is scheduled to be transferred outside Camp Crame soon after Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino of the the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 137 yesterday issued a resolution permitting his transfer to a private hospital for medical examinations.



Beltran transferred�to another PNP hospital room



While awaiting his temporary confinement to a private hospital upon the order of the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) branch 137, Congressman Beltran will be transferred today to another room in the PNP General Hospital.



According to Olivia Lalusis, Beltran's daughter, the Anakpawis solon was transferred from Room 1 to the smaller Room 3 of the PNP-GH earlier this noon. This was to make way for the confinement of an unidentified general in Room 1, which was previously occupied by Beltran. ##

New Palace PR gimmick: 'Pardon' at a time of Political Repression

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

PRESS RELEASE
April 17, 2006

New Palace PR gimmick: 'Pardon' at a time of Political Repression��Beltran

The Palace's commutation of the death sentences is nothing but a gesture of hypocrisy and political expediency especially since political repression continues unabated, illegally-detained Congressman Crispin Beltran said today.

Issuing the statement while in police detention at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame, Beltran assailed the Palace decision as a "brash move reeking of political expediency and hypocrisy".

"The crime victims are right in saying that the President's decision is ill-advised and non-consultative. The President's sweeping commutation of the death penalty manifests how the Palace will brashly continue to disregard the existing laws and circumvent existing judicial and legislative structures in order to project herself as a legitimate and exemplary leader, whatever her idea of that is," Beltran said.

"Timing the proclamation even during Holy Week, the President is obviously trying to assume the mantle of a holier than thou being, cleansed from sin. She is falsely trying to project herself off to the Church as a political saint, perhaps in last-ditch hopes of securing the clergy's silence on such anti-people programs such as Charter Change and mining liberalization," Beltran said.

Actions belie intentions

"Her actions belie her intentions. Had this decision been arrived at through a more consultative and sincere process and proclaimed in an utterly different political and social context, maybe I would have viewed her decision in a more appreciative light. But as a first-hand victim of the Arroyo government's vile political persecution, I see that all these 'penal reforms' of late are nothing than another Palace PR gimmick designed to project Pres. Arroyo as a humane and pro-justice President," Beltran said.

"But Pres. Arroyo is anything but humane and pro-justice in light of the political persecution she condones and wages against Filipinos who are calling for her resignation from office. The Arroyo administration is anything but democratic in light of the record-high killings of activists, unabated crime rate, and the political repression it wages," Beltran said.

Ironic and hypocritical

The 73-year old solon scored his continuing illegal detention in Camp Crame as compelling proof of the Arroyo administration's "two-faced, hypocritical stance". "She has already made a big show of conditionally pardoning 37 elderly convicts in Bilibid last month. Now, she flaunts herself as lifting the death penalty for convicted criminals on humanitarian grounds, yet her administration, particularly the Department of Justice and the PNP, have repeatedly denied my requests��whether on humanitarian, political, and legal grounds��to be released from police custody as I have not been convicted of any crime," Beltran said.

"It is ironic to see Pres. Arroyo proclaiming such things while overtly pushing for the criminalization of her political critics," Beltran said. "Is she just using penal reforms to justify her administration's other human rights violations?" he posed.

"Perhaps the Arroyo administration wants to decongest jails in order to make room for more political detainees," Beltran said.

The 73-year old solon was arrested without warrant on February 25, illegally-detained and subjected to inquest proceedings despite his objections afterwards. He remains under police custody at the PNP General Hospital at Camp Crame, where he was confined since March 2 for hypertension. ###

Beltran to fellow solons: bat for wage hike bill first

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

Reference : Rep. Crispin Beltran (+63)927.871.1080

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







PRESS RELEASE

April 17, 2006



With Labor Day only two weeks away
Beltran to fellow solons: bat for wage hike bill first



Congress would be better off getting down to serious work on the P125 wage hike bill for workers when plenary sessions open on May 14, before drumming up enabling laws for the Palace's initiatives for Charter Change and Pres. Arroyo's controversial commutation of the death penalty, veteran labor legislator Cong. Crispin Beltran said today.



Beltran renewed his call for the prioritization of House Bill (HB) 0345 as its principal author as May 1, International Labor Day, nears in around two weeks.



The illegally-detained solon expressed apprehensions that "the 13th Congress might close without having passed the long-awaited and landmark HB 0345, which will legislate a P125 across-the-board nationwide wage increase for workers in the private sector".



"Instead of scurrying to concoct enabling laws for the Palace's sudden ploys at political expediency and survival, such as the commutation of the death penalty and Charter Change, instead of railroading clearly anti-people and downright draconian legislation such as the Anti-Terror Bill, I believe that the Lower House should return its focus on long-clamoured for laws that will provide immediate economic relief for our toiling masses at this time of political and economic crisis," Beltran said.



"The conditions necessitating these long-needed wage hikes have not changed, and in fact, have worsened. The disparity between the daily minimum wage of P325 and the daily costs of living of at least P681 for the poor continue to increase every day. After registering record-high levels of hunger during surveys for the first quarter of 2006, this country is nearing record-levels of unemployment," Beltran.



Beltran said that his "illegal arrest and detention, along with the devious machinations of the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police (PNP), have made it virtually impossible for me to personally lobby for such legislation".



Arrested without a warrant and charged with sedition and rebellion since February 25, Beltran remains in police custody at the PNP General Hospital (GH). This has caused Beltran's forced absence from Congress plenary sessions since February 27, where he and other pro-labor congressmen planned to exert more lobbying efforts towards the passage of HB 0345.



"It will be another slap in the face for our nation's toiling masses when the 13th Congress closes without having passed laws which will finally concretize the government's support for the six-year nationwide clamor for a P125 across-the-board wage increase for workers in the private sector and the P3,000 across-the-board monthly salary and pay increase for government employees,." Beltran said. ###

PNP assigned loony to 'guard' Ka Bel?

News Release

April 11, 2006



PNP assigned loony to 'guard' Ka Bel?
Beltran's wife cries foul over weekend harassment



Would you entrust your elderly father to a police security who has seemingly lost his marbles?



The family of illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran is alarmed over the presence of a seemingly maverick police security personnel who was assigned to watch over Ka Bel last weekend.



Last Saturday, a certain police personnel, identified only by Beltran's family as having the surname 'Toledo', acted strangely upon setting foot inside Beltran's quarters at the Room 1 of the PNP General Hospital.



The police arrived while Beltran and his wife were having breakfast.



"Alam mo, sa ibang bansa, [pinapatay na lang ang] ang matatatandang preso," the guard suddenly said.



The police also acted rudely and strangely, even interrupting a female guest who was inside the bathroom. "Pa-ihi nga," he reportedly said.



Family members went to the PNP authorities to complain about the presence of the suspicious guard. The latter was later relieved.



Beltran's wife, however, was not amused by the strange spectacle.



"We do not care whether he was stoned, drunk, dead tired, or simply incoherent. The fact is, he was armed and mentally unstable. He could have run amok inside the hospital, putting my husband's life¡½as well as that of many others¡½in clear danger," Beltran's wife Rosario Beltran said.



"We hope the PNP cleans up its act. This kind of verbal harassment, whether intentional or unintentional, should never happen again to any political detainee and his or her family," an irked Mrs. Beltran said.###

Ka Bel says he isn't expecting any sympathy or justice

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran

House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602

931-6615 Lisa Ito media officer (0927-7967006)

Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

Visit geocities.com/ap_news



NEWS RELEASE

April 11, 2006



DOJ, PNP reax on Motion to Release Beltran due tomorrow
Ka Bel says he isn't expecting any sympathy or justice



The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) is expected to submit tomorrow their Comments on the Motion to Release illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran.



During the hearing at the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino ordered DOJ Senior State Prosecutors headed by Emannuel Velasco and PNP General Hospital Director for Health Services Supt. Federico Dama until April 12, tomorrow, to comment on medical recommendations submitted by Beltran's lawyers.



Atty. Romeo Capulong submitted Medical Reports from Health Action for Human Rights (HAHR) physicians Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Reginaldo Pamugas, and Melani Hernandez-Sionzon recommending that Beltran be transferred to another hospital outside the PNP.



Atty. Capulong also submitted a Psychiatric Evaluation prepared by Dr. Michael P. Sionzon strongly recommending Beltran's transfer to another hospital outside the PNP in order to lessen his anxiety, which may exacerbate Ka Bel's ailments.



Beltran was diagnosed to have gouty arthritis, nutritional anemia, diabetes mellitus type 2, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. He also suffered from a mild stroke June last year. Beltran's lawyers have argued that the PNP General Hospital's facilities are inadequate as far as treatment and monitoring of these ailments are concerned.



Beltran's lawyers have already filed a Motion before the MRTC to release Beltran, or transfer him to a hospital with adequate medical facilities. Judge Aldecoa-Delorino is expected to issue a resolution on said Motion after reviewing the Comments to be submitted tomorrow by the PNP and the DOJ.



Beltran, meanwhile, said he was not expecting any sympathetic comment from the DOJ Prosecution "in keeping with the DOJ's utterly unfair and cross-eyed application of justice".



"Despite his impassioned avowals before the MRTC that he is in no way beholden to Pres. Gloria Arroyo, Velasco's actions from the very start belie the DOJ's bias against me. They are rabidly intent on keeping me illegally behind bars. I don't expect tomorrow's comments to deviate from that intention," Beltran said.



"As for the PNP, I hope that they will endorse the Motion to Release based on humanitarian grounds. They know how inadequate the PNP General Hospital is, and how many political detainees and police are suffering from the relative lack of facilities," Beltran said. ###

ANG KALBARYO NI KA BEL

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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



ANG KALBARYO NI KA BEL



· Sa edad na 73 anos, si Anakpawis Congressman Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran ay marahil isa sa pinakamatandang detenidong pulitikal sa ilalim ng administrasyong Arroyo.



· Sa kabila ng kaniyang edad at kalusugan, hindi ginalang ang sibil, pulitikal, at pantaong karapatan ni Ka Bel. Bilang beteranong lider-paggawa at sibilyan, nilabag ang kaniyang karapatang-pantao at karapatang sibil sa warrantless arrest at arbitrary detention na isinagawa ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) ng Philippine National Police (PNP). Hindi rin ginalang ang karapatan niya sa parliamentary immunity from arrest bilang Kongresista sa Mababang Kapulungan.



· Ilegal na inaresto at ikinulong nang walang batayan si Ka Bel sa Custodial Center ng Camp Crame mula noong ika-25 ng Pebrero, matapos ideklara ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo ang isang 'state of national emergency'. Noong ika-2 ng Marso, inilipat siya sa PNP General Hospital sa loob rin ng Camp Crame dahil sa mataas na alta presyon na dulot ng hypertension. Nananatili si Ka Bel dito hanggang sa kasalukuyan.



· Dahil sa kanyang 'di-makatarungang pagkakakulong, hindi nakadalo si Ka Bel sa mga plenary session ng Kamara kung saan nakatakda siyang irehistro ang pagtindig ng masang anakpawis sa P125 dagdag-sahod, Charter Change, Anti-Terror Bill, atbp.



· Kasalukuyang nakabinbin ang mga kasong inciting to sedition sa Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 43 at inciting to rebellion (isang non-bailable offense na maaaring patawan ng death penalty) sa Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 137 laban kay Ka Bel.



· Nakatakdang maglabas ng resolusyon ang MRTC Branch 137 ngayong Abril hinggil sa Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause na isinampa ng mga abugado ni Ka Bel.



· Noong Abril 7, tinalakay sa MRTC Branch 137, sa ilalim ni Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino, ang Omnibus Motion na naglalayong bigyang resolusyon ang Motion to Release na inihapag ng mga abugado ni Ka Bel. Hinihiling ng sinasabing Motion to Release na PALAYAIN ng Korte si Ka Bel o kaya ay ISAPAILALIM siya sa protective custody ng Kongreso at ILIPAT sa isang ospital na may adequate facilities.



· Tinutulan ng DOJ ang kahilingang makalaya ni Ka Bel sa police custody sa Camp Crame noong Abril 7 na hearing. Binigyan ng Korte ang DOJ at ang PNP-General Hospital hanggang ika-12 ng Abril upang magsumite ng kanilang Comments sa Motion to Release. Pagkatapos nito ay magpapasya ang huwes kung pagbibigyan o hindi ang Motion to Release. ###

In protest against Ka Bel's 'calvary', supporters line Welcome Rotonda with candles

FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT
NEWS RELEASE
April 10, 2006



In protest against Ka Bel's 'calvary',

supporters line Welcome Rotonda with candles



Supporters of illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran today will dramatize their burning vigilance for his release through a multi-sectoral candle-lighting activity, April 10, at the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City, starting 6 PM.



The candle-lighting activity for Ka Bel's release is one among many other activities to be held as Beltran's supporters await a Makati court resolution that could possibly set Beltran free this April.



The Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137, under Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino, is set to rule on a pending Motion to Release filed by Beltran's lawyers by the end of April. The said Motion is batting for Beltran's release, or at least the transfer of protective custody to the Hous of Representatives while confining Ka Bel to a hospital with adequate facilities.



The 73-year old Anakpawis solon is perhaps one of the country's oldest political detainees under the Arroyo regime. He was confined at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame due to unstable blood pressures and hypertension aggravated by the circumstances of his arrest and the charges of sedition and rebellion slapped against him.



"We will continue to call for mass actions supporting Ka Bel's release and protesting the protracted and devious machinations of the Department of [In]justice to keep Ka Bel in illegal and arbitrary detention," Dennis Maga, Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) Spokesperson said.



"Ka Bel's calvary as a political detainee under the Arroyo regime has draged on for too long. He does not deserve to bear the cross of injustice and suffering that Pres. Arroyo, PNP Director-General Arutro Lomibao, and Sec. Raul Gonzales and Senior State Prosecutor Emanuel Velasco of the DOJ are putting on his shoulders," Maga said.



Reference: Dennis Maga, FKBM Spokesperson (0927-3996227).

Prove Camp Crame's hospital is adequate and safe for Ka Bel, Court urges PNP

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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



Prove Camp Crame's hospital is adequate and safe for Ka Bel,

Court urges PNP



It's now up to the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital to prove that it is currently the most adequate and befitting medical institution that can take care of illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran for now.



During the court hearing at the April 7 Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 137, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino has given the PNP until April 12 to comment on the medical recommendations of Beltran's lawyers that he be transferred to a hospital with adequate medical facilities.



During the April 7 court hearing, a Medical Report issued by Health Action for Human Right (HAHR) physicians Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Reginaldo L. Pamugas, and Melani Hernandez-Sionzon recommended that Beltran be transferred to another hospital outside the PNP for treatment and monitoring of health ailments such as hypercholesterolemia, gouty arthritis, nutritional anemia, diabetes mellitus Type 2, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.



"We have visited and inspected the facilities of the PNP General Hospital where Beltran is presently confined. We found such facilities and laboratory inadequate for the kind of ailment the patient is suffering from," the HAHR doctors said.



A Psychiatric Evaluation prepared by Dr. Michael P. Sionzon (License No. 93488) last April 6 also strongly recommended Beltran's transfer to another hospital outside the PNP premises in order to lessen his prevailing anxiety and recurring nightmares of being tortured or assassinated.



These, Sionzon contends, could be precipitating factors that could increase Beltran's chances of having another stroke. Last June 2005, Beltran suffered from a minor stroke and is currently taking maintenance medicine.



Senior State Prosecutors Emmanuel Velasco, Aileen Marie Gutierrez, and Joselita Mendoza filed an Opposition to the Omnibus Motion filed by the PILC for Beltran's release on humanitarian gorunds, praying that the Makati Court deny the said Motion.



The DOJ Prosecution Team argued that Beltran should remain in the custody of the Philippine National Police and be confined at the Camp Crame Hospital. Yet still to be answered by the DOJ is the issue of whether the PNP-General Hospital (GH) is indeed capable of delivering the advanced medical services and facilities needed by Beltran.



Meanwhile, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino has given the DOJ prosecution team and the PNP, through the PNP General Hospital's Director of Health Services Sr. Supt. Federico Dama, until April 12 to comment on the medical findings presented by Beltran's lawyers.



After this, the judge is expected to finally decide on whether or not to grant the Motion to Release filed by Beltran's lawyers or have him transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities.###

Ka Bel's transfer to a hospital outside Camp Crame could prevent a possible stroke

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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





Ka Bel's transfer to a hospital outside Camp Crame could prevent a possible stroke



The court battle to get Anakpawis solon Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran out of jail is not also a quest for justice, it's also a race of time to save Ka Bel's life.



While the Department of Justice (DOJ) seems to be hell-bent on keeping the 73-year old Beltran in police custody at Camp Crame, doctors and psychiatrists are recommending his urgent transfer to a hospital of his choice with adequate facilities. This, they say, is the only way to significantly lessen his chances of having a possibly fatal stroke.



The 73-year old congressman, possibly among the oldest political detainees in the country, has a history of ailments that make his continuing detention in Camp Crame a clear hazard to his health and well-being. Beltran was confined in Room 1 of the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital since March 2 this year, for hypertension and unstable blood pressure levels. While his blood pressure has since then stabilized, doctors agree that Beltran's first stroke last year makes him a prime target for another stroke.



Beltran suffered from a mild stroke in June 2005. He was confined for a week at the Far Eastern University Hospital and was discharged with home medications. In 2003, he was confined for a week at the Philippine Heart Center for chest pains related to angina, a heart ailment.



At the hearing before the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137 last April 7, Beltran's lawyers, doctors, and psychiatrists pressed for an Omnibus Motion pleading that Beltran be immediately released or be allowed to avail himself of the protective custody of the House of Representatives and be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities. Before MRTC Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino, Beltran's lawyers presented three medical reports from doctors and a psychiatrist who previously examined Beltran this April. The first two documents were a Medical Report issued by cardiologist Dr. Roberto A. Raymundo of the Philippine Heart Center last April 6, and another Medical Report issued by Health Action for Human Right (HAHR) physicians Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Reginaldo L. Pamugas, and Melani Hernandez-Sionzon also on April 6.



"Clinically, [Beltran] appears stable cardiovascular wise. However, because of his history of a previous hypertensive bleed, he remains at high risk for developing a second stroke," Raymundo said.



"His condition is life-threatening. He suffered from cerebrovascular hypertensive bleed last June 2005. This may occur again anytime," the medical doctors from HAHR noted. Other diseases and ailments noted in their diagnosis included hypercholesterolemia, gouty arthritis, nutritional anemia, diabetes mellitus Type 2, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.



"Considering that he is an elderly and that he has a life-threatening illness, we strongly recommend that Cong. Beltran be immediately transferred to and confined in a hospital of his choice for further laboratory work-up and proper medical evaluation and management," they added.



A Psychiatric Evaluation prepared by Dr. Michael P. Sionzon (License No. 93488) last April 6 strongly recommended Beltran's transfer to another hospital outside the PNP premises. The psychiatric evaluation issued by Sionzon recommended Beltran's transfer because this would considerably decrease Beltran's state of anxiety and recurring nightmares.



"It is further recommended that safekeeping in another facility or a transfer to another hospital would be more conducive to his health since his fears of assassination would decrease if he were outside the PNP compound¡ÄGiven his overall health condition of being elderly with a history of hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, a return to his cell might be hazardous. Although the anxiety that he experienced during his detention there was not pathological per se, the autonomic responses accompanying it might precipitate another cerebrovascular event," Sionzon wrote.



"We also recommend his transfer to a safe and non-hostile environment to avoid the stressful condition and mental anguish that will trigger and aggravate his medical condition," the three doctors from HAHR emphasized.



Meanwhile, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino has given the DOJ prosecution team until April 12 to submit their Comments on the Motion to Release. Judge Aldecoa-Delorino also ordered the DOJ and the PNP, through the PNP General Hospital's Director of Health Services r. Supt. Federico Dama, to comment on the medical findings presented by Beltran's lawyers. After this, the judge is expected to finally decide on whether or not to grant the Motion to Release Beltran or have him transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities. ###

Makati Court to tackle Beltran's release on humanitarian grounds today

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news

If helping the poor is a crime,

and fighting for freedom is rebellion,

then I plead guilty as charged."

--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing

NEWS RELEASE
April 7, 2006



Makati Court to tackle Beltran's release on humanitarian grounds today



Anakpawis Cong. Crispin Beltran hopes to spend Holy Week and Labor Day away from police custody in Camp Crame, through arguing the case for his release on humanitarian grounds before the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) today.



Today's court hearing at the MRTC Branch 137, under Judge Jenny Lind Aledoca-Delorino, will tackle an Omnibus Motion, pleading to resolve the pending urgent Motion of Release and to allow Beltran to be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities.



Beltran pleads that he be immediately released or be allowed to avail himself of the protective custody of the House of Representatives and be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities. This Omnibus Motion aiming to effect the release of Cong. Beltran on humanitarian grounds was filed at the MRTC April 3.



More than a month has passed since Beltran was arbitrarily arrested and illegally detained in Camp Crame. His family and colleagues have been calling for Beltran's transfer to a hospital of his choice with adequate medical facilities, while the rebellion and sedition charges filed against him take their course through the judiciary.



Meanwhile, Beltran's supporters from the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) vowed to step up 'mass calibrated protest actions' calling for his immediate release if the Motion continues to be denied or delayed.



"Cong. Beltran has not been convicted, and in fact has been generally denied of his right to due process ever since his illegal arrest. The government has no right to keep him a minute longer in jail," FKBM Spokesperson Dennis Maga said. ###

Transfer to hospital outside PNP is best option for Beltran

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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



NEWS RELEASE

April 7, 2006



Transfer to hospital outside PNP is best option for Beltran,

doctors and psychiatrists say



Anakpawis Cong. Crispin Beltran's immediate transfer to a hospital outside the Philippine National Police (PNP) vicinity is still the best medical option for the 73-year old and hypertensive solon, his doctors and psychiatrists say.



A Psychiatric Evaluation prepared by Dr. Michael P. Sionzon (License No. 93488) last April 6 strongly recommended Beltran's transfer to another hospital outside the PNP premises.



The said psychiatric evaluation was one of the three documents prepared by medical specialists, presented to the MRTC Branch 137 by his lawyers earlier this morning at the court hearing at the MRTC Branch 137, under Judge Jenny Lind Aledoca-Delorino. The hearing tackled the Omnibus Motion, pleading to resolve the pending urgent Motion of Release and to allow Beltran to be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities.



Beltran pleads that he be immediately released or be allowed to avail himself of the protective custody of the House of Representatives and be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities. This Omnibus Motion aiming to effect the release of Cong. Beltran on humanitarian grounds was filed at the MRTC April 3.



The other two documents were a Medical Report issued by cardiologist Dr. Roberto A. Raymundo of the Philippine Heart Center last April 6, and another Medical Report issued by Health Action for Human Right (HAHR) physicians Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Reginaldo L. Pamugas, and Melani Hernandez-Sionzon also on April 6.



HAHR and Dr. Sionzon recommended Beltran's transfer to another environment. "We have visited and inspected the facilities of the PNP General Hospital where Cong. Crispin Beltran is presently confined. We found such facilities and laboratory inadequate for the kind of ailment the patient is suffering from," Drs. Quijano, Pamugas, and Hernandez-Sionzon said.



The psychiatric evaluation issued by Sionzon also recommended Beltran's transfer because this would considerably decrease Beltran's state of anxiety and recurring nightmares. "It is further recommended that safekeeping in another facility or a transfer to another hospital would be more conducive to his health since his fears of assassination would decrease if he were outside the PNP compound," Sionzon recommended.



While Sionzon noted that Beltran's illegal detention has not demoralized or caused Beltran to be depressed, it has caused him to be overly anxious about the unfinished business he left as a congressman.



"Mr. Beltran's conviction in his principles have steeled him against developing pathologic anxiety or depressive disorders which may be common in the setting he is in��His anxiety mostly comes from his apprehension that he may not be able to carry on with his work any longer when there is still much he has to do. This seems to be where his fear of not being able to withstand torture and of being assassinated comes from. These anxieties were mostly present when he was previously kept inside the maximum security facility in the CIDG compound," Sionzon wrote.



Sionzon noted Beltran's recurring nightmares during the first few days of his illegal detention.



"According to Mr. Beltran, the sight of his old cell triggered flashbacks of the torture he experienced during his previous detention [during Martial Law]. On the first few days after his arrest, he was hypervigilant and anxious. He constantly feared that he might be tortured again and that his body might not be able to stand such abuse as when he was younger. He also feared that he might be assassinated anytime while inside his cell," Sionzon wrote.



"His transfer to the PNP Hospital [after the maximum security facility] offered some relief. Although he still has some anxiety regarding his safety, he affirms that his present detention is part of the risks that are inherent in being an activist. Flashbacks of the torture has abated but he still admits that fears about a possible assassination still remain," Sionzon said.



"Given his overall health condition of being elderly with a history of hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, a return to his cell might be hazardous. Although the anxiety that he experienced during his detention there was not pathological per se, the autonomic responses accompanying it might precipitate another cerebrovascular event," Sionzon wrote.



More than a month has passed since Beltran was arbitrarily arrested and illegally detained in Camp Crame. His family and colleagues have been calling for Beltran's transfer to a hospital of his choice with adequate medical facilities, while the rebellion and sedition charges filed against him take their course through the judiciary. ###

Makati court may issue resolution on Beltran's case earlier than expected

Makati court may issue resolution on Beltran's case earlier than expected



The Makati Regional Trial Court 137 may be issuing a resolution on the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause filed by Anakpawis Cong. Crispin Beltran's lawyers sooner than previously expected.



During the court hearing at the MRTC Branch 137, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino said that while she has filed for a 30-day (one month) extension of the resolution's promulgation, it does not necessarily mean that she will be taking up to April 3 (last day of said extension) to resolve the said Motion.



"I'm not going to use all of my 30 days [as filed] and am working on resolving the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause," Judge Aldecoa-Delorino said at the close of the hearing.



According to the Rules, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino was supposed to have issued the Resolution on April 2 (Sunday) after Beltran's lawyers filed the Motion last March. She filed for a 30-day extension of the promulgation until April 3.



The hearing tackled the Omnibus Motion, pleading to resolve the pending urgent Motion of Release and to allow Beltran to be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities. Beltran pleads that he be immediately released or be allowed to avail himself of the protective custody of the House of Representatives and be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities.



The Department of Justice, however, this morning filed an Opposition to the Omnibus Motion, praying that the Makati Court deny the said Motion. Judge Delorino has given the DOJ prosecution team until April 12 to submit their Comments on the Motion to Release.





Birthday greetings for Satur from Camp Crame



From one arena of detention to another, solons from the Batasan 6 manage to support each other.



From Room 1 of the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame, Anakpawis Cong. Crispin Beltran sent his birthday greetings and message to Bayan Muna Cong. Satur Ocampo today, saying that he was looking forward "to the day when they could be free to march in the Parliament of the streets".



"I can only wish for more fortitude and strength for Cong. Ocampo, who like me was also a political detainee under Martial Law, and now under the Arroyo administration," Beltran said.



"I can only give my mutual support to Cong. Ocampo, as we remain one in the struggle for a better life for the country's toiling masses and the majority of Filipinos. We will weather through this period of assault and unbridled political harassment from the Arroyo administration and remain steadfast to our principles for national liberation and democracy," Beltran said. ###

Hangad ay Kalayaan Para sa Sambayanan

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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



Hangad ay Kalayaan Para sa Sambayanan

Statement of Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran

April 3, 2006


Ikinalulungkot at ikinakagalit kong marinig ang resolusyon ng mababang Korte na siyang magiging dahilan ng aking pananatili sa 'di-makatarungang pagkakapiit dito sa Camp Crame.



Sa pagaantala ng Makati Regional Trial Court branch 137 sa aming Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause ay unti-unting lumilitaw ang katotohanan na walang maitatamasang katarungan sa ilalim ng administrasyong ito. Sinasalamin lamang ng resolusyon ang patuloy at labag sa Saligang Batas na panunupil laban sa mga sumusulong ng demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan. Dahil kung tunay na pinairal ang katarungan at wastong proseso ng batas ay sa una pa lang ay hindi dapat ako pinanatili ng administrasyong ito sa Camp Crame ng mahigit isang buwan, o tatlumpu't walong araw kung ating bibilangin.



Ikinokondena ko rin ang patuloy na pulitikal na panunupil ng administrasyong Arroyo laban sa mga kasamahan kong mambabatas na sina Cong. Rafael Mariano, Cong. Satur Ocampo, Cong. Teddy Casino, Cong. Joel Virador, at Cong. Liza Maza. Nananawagan ako para sa agarang pagtigil sa harassment sa kanila, bilang mga halal na kinatawan ng taumbayan.



Sa kabila ng desisyong ito ng mababang korte ay sisikapin pa rin nating ipagpatuloy ang labang nasimulan sa loob at labas ng Mababang Kapulungan. Tuloy ang laban. Sa kabila ng panghihina ng aking kalusugan habang nasa piitan, naging mas matatag ang kalooban ko ngayon kaysa sa dati. Buong-buo sa aking isipan na kailangang ipagpatuloy ang pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya, sapagkat ito lamang ang tanging daan sa paglaya ng ating bayan.

Ako ay lubos-lubos na nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng tumitindig at nananawagan para sa aking paglaya mula sa piitan. Pero higit sa lahat, ang aking hinihingi ay ang paglaya ng sambayanang Pilipino mula sa pagsasamantala, panunupil, at paghihirap. Kailangang ituloy-tuloy natin ng mas masugid at nagkakaisa ang pakikibaka para sa pambansang paglaya at demokrasya sa ating bayan. Kailangang bigyang-diin ang pakikibaka para sa mga patakaran na magbibigay-daan para sa pag-angat ng kabuhayan ng masang anakpawis na umaabot ngayon sa 90% ng kabuuang mamamayan sa bansa natin. Kabilang na rito ang buong pagsisikap na magkaroon ng tunay na repormang agraryo at pambansang industriyalisasyon, sapagkat kung wala ang dalawang (2) na ito ay mahirap maabot ang economic emancipation ng ating bansa.

Pangatlo, kailangang ituloy-tuloy natin ang pakikibaka para sa karapatang pantao. Ang sinesentruhan ng kasalukuyang pagyurak sa karapatang-pantao ay iyong mga kasamahan nating mga aktibista na [sumusulong sa pakikibakang] pangkabuhayan at pampulitika. Kinikitil ngayon ang kanilang buhay ng mga military at goons ng administrasyong Arroyo. Dagdag na rin dito ang pakikibaka para matamo ang katarungang panlipunan, na sa ngayon ay nananatiling panaginip lamang.



Ikaapat, ang pakikibaka para sa mga patakarang makapagbibigay ng urgent economic relief sa mamamayang pinerwisyo ng R-VAT, mababang sahod, at implasyon. Mga patakarang katulad ng House Bill 0345, na naglalayong mabigyan ang mahigit 16 na milyong manggagawa sa pribadong sektor ng isang P125 across-the-board nationwide wage increase, o kaya ng mga batas na magbibigay ng buwanang P3,000 across-the-board na dagdag-sahod sa mga kawani ng gobyerno. Naririyan rin ang pangangailangang tumindig laban sa ipinapanukalang Anti-Terror Bill sa Mababang Kapulungan, at sa iskemang Charter Change ng administrasyong Arroyo. Walang kabutihang maidudulot ito sa masang anakpawis, at bagkus ay magbibigay-daan para sa higit na panunupil, kasakiman, at kaapihan.


Sa mga taong nandodoon sa kampo ng reaksyonaryong pulitika at programang ekonomiya na nag- conspire upang ako ay panatilihin sa kulungan: sana maunawaan ninyo na ang ipinakikibang ito ng partido Anakpawis, o kaya ng masang anakpawis, ay para sa inyo rin.



Walang maidudulot na mabuti ang inyong panunupil sa mga sumusulong sa demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan. Hindi tatagal ang estadong ito kung saan ang napakaraming mamamayan ang lumalangoy sa kumunoy ng kahirapan at kakaunti lamang na mamamayan lamang ang nagtatamasa ng kayamanan at kaginwahaan. Darating ang panahon na hindi na rin ninyo pakikinabangan ang inyong pagkaganid sa kayamanan at kapangyahiran.###

Another Monday without Ka Bel

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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





Another Monday without Ka Bel



Congress will be adjourning its sessions on April 6 without the familiar and fiery privilege speeches of illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran. This, after the Makati lower court today delayed its promulgation of a resolution on the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause filed by Beltran's lawyers one month ago.



After the thirty days (30) waiting period, MRTC Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino filed for a thirty (30) day extension of the resolution, in effect prolonging the illegal detention of the 73-year old and ailing solon in Camp Crame.



The Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 48, meanwhile, reset Beltran's arraignment to May 29, at 8:30 in the morning. Beltran's lawyers also filed a Motion to Quash the said arraignment today.



Had Judge Delorino issued a favourable resolution effecting Ka Bel's release even on bail, Beltran would have been making up for time lost by actively lobbying for the passage of House Bill 0345, and campaigning against the passage of the Anti-Terror Bill and the attempts to legitimize Charter Change, the activist lawmaker said as he returned to police custody at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame earlier this morning, after the QCMTC hearing.



Beltran and his colleagues from Anakpawis have been counting on his release by via the Makati court resolution today, in order to register his protest against the impending passage of the Anti-Terror Bill this week.



Beltran was illegally arrested and detained, and falsely charged with inciting to sedition and rebellion, at the Quezon City and Makati courts respectively.



On March 13, the Municipal Trial Court of Quezon City Branch 43 issued a Release Order for Beltran (on the sedition case) on the grounds that his arrest was illegal, without probable cause, and violative of Beltran's parliamentary immunity from arrest. The PNP and the DoJ, however, refused to release Beltran on the grounds that another rebellion case is still filed against him. ###

After forty-two days in illegal and arbitrary detention

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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





NEWS RELEASE

April 6, 2006



After forty-two days in illegal and arbitrary detention

Cong. Beltran hopes Makati court will allow transfer of custody to Congress or a hospital with adequate facilities



Will the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) allow Anakpawis solon Crispin Beltran to be released from Camp Crame on humanitarian grounds?



Beltran and his lawyers will find out at tomorrow's court hearing at the MRTC Branch 137, under Judge Jenny Lind Aledoca-Delorino, where an Omnibus Motion, pleading to resolve the pending urgent Motion of Release and to allow Beltran to be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities, will be heard.



Beltran pleads that he be immediately released or be allowed to avail himself of the protective custody of the House of Representatives and be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities.



This Omnibus Motion aiming to effect the release of Cong. Beltran on humanitarian grounds was filed at the MRTC April 3 and will be heard by the Makati RTC tomorrow 10 AM.



More than a month has passed since Beltran was arbitrarily arrested and illegally detained in Camp Crame. His family and colleagues have been calling for Beltran's transfer to a hospital of his choice with adequate medical facilities, while the rebellion and sedition charges filed against him take their course through the judiciary, daughter Olivia Lalusis says.



"My father has not been convicted of any crime. I hope that the court and the police will effect his release from police custody while the legal battle for his liberty is waged in the courts," Lalusis said.



Beltran is currently under police custody at the Philippine National Police General Hospital. Beltran's health condition needs to be continuously monitored because of all the detention-related stress the 73-year old solon is undergoing, Lalusis said. ##

DOJ more of a kangaroo court for gov't critics

FRE KA BEL MOVEMENT
NEWS RELEASE

April 6, 2006

DOJ more of a kangaroo court for gov't critics,

Beltran supporters say of junked 'Batasan 6' motion

The Department of Justice is bordering more on a kangaroo court for government critics than as a state dispenser of justice and due process, supporters of Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran said today.



"In its junking of the Motion to Dismiss filed by the lawyers of the six progressive solons (Batasan 6) charged with rebellion, and their insistence on keeping Cong. Beltran illegally in Camp Crame despite humanitarian appeals for his release, the DOJ has unmasked itself as unabashedly biased for Pres. Arroyo and the political repression she is waging," Dennis Maga, Spokesperson of the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) said.



"The DOJ is a degenerating institution under the Arroyo administration. It is becoming more of a kangaroo court for government critics and progressive solons, rather than a state institution tasked to dispense justice and due process," Maga said.



Maga also expressed hopes that the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 137 would tomorrow hear the Omnibus Motion, filed by Beltran's lawyers April 3, pleading to resolve the pending urgent Motion of Release and to allow Beltran to be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities.



"Ka Bel should be immediately released or be allowed to avail himself of the protective custody of the House of Representatives and be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities," Maga said.



In response to the DOJ's junking of Motions to inhibit Sec. Raul Gonzales, Zuno, and Prosecutor Emannuel Velasco from the preliminary investigation, to expunge inadmissible evidence, and to dismiss case, the legal counsels of the Batasan 6 have today filed a 50-page Petition with Certiorari before the Court of Appeals (CA).



The Petition prays that the CA set aside the DOJ's actions treating the Batasan 6 as detained persons, to prohibit the Philippine National Police from arresting them illegally or detaining arbitrarily.



Reference: Dennis Maga, 0927-3996227.

Tantamount to Martial Law, Beltran says of the approved Anti-Terror Bill

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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





Tantamount to Martial Law, Beltran says of the approved Anti-Terror Bill

Anakpawis solon's illegal detention

prevents him from registering 'NO' vote to ATB

The Arroyo administration has illegally jailed one of the staunchest critics of House Bill 4839 or the Anti-Terror Bill (ATB), effectively preventing from registering his position and dissenting vote at the most crucial moment of its passage last night.

This was the sentiment of Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran as he was physically prevented by his continuing illegal detention in Camp Crame from participating in the Lower House plenary session that passed the ATB late last night, 116-27. Beltran is still in illegal police custody at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame.

"My illegal detention by the Arroyo administration has prevented me from participating in the lobbying efforts against the bills passage, in the plenary debates on the demerits and dangers of the ATB, in the scrutiny of its dangers to civil liberties, and finally in the moment of registering our individual votes to Committee Report No. 1154," Beltran said.

Beltran is one of the staunchest critics of the Anti-Terror Bill ever since it was first proposed in Congress, consistently opposing its passage on the grounds that "it is the kind of law that erodes further the civil and political rights of the people and provides legal impunity for the violations of political, civil, and human rights".

"The approval of HB 4839 is tantamount to Congress approving a de facto dictatorship," Beltran said, calling yesterday a "tragic and disastrous event for civil libertarians and human rights advocates all over the country and the globe".



Beltran expressed apprehensions that "the ATB will be used by the Arroyo administration to eliminate any remaining semblance of democratic space left in this country, intruding into the rights of the people and of legitimate, open, legal formations to assembly, redress of grievances, speech and _expression".



"I can personally attest to how such a bill can wipe out the remaining democratic space of our country. For the past month, I have experienced first-hand how it is to be illegally-arrested, held in police custody over fabricated charges of 'destabilization', jailed in solitary confinement, and denied of any due process. I fear, on concrete and actual grounds, that this will also be the experience of other progressive parliamentarians and countless civilians if the ATB is implemented by the draconian and dictatorial Arroyo administration," Beltran said.

After Makati court extend stay in Camp Crame for one more month

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

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

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

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





News Release

April 4, 2006



After Makati court extend stay in Camp Crame for one more month

Lawyers, supporters step up calls for Beltran's release



Now that the Makati court has delayed his stay in jail for at least until May 3, lawyers and supporters of illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman are stepping up moves calling for his immediate release from police custody in Camp Crame.



Yesterday, Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino filed for a thirty (30) day extension of the promulgation of a resolution on the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause filed by Beltran's lawyers one month ago, in response to the rebellion charges slapped by the DOJ. In effect, the 73-year old Beltran will be remaining under illegal detention in police custody at Camp Crame until the resolution is finally promulgated.



In response to the report of the 30-day extension, Beltran's lawyers from the Public Interest law Center (PILC), headed by Atty. Romeo Capulong, yesterday afternoon filed an Omnibus Motion to (1) set for a hearing and/or resolve the pending urgent Motion for Release,and (2) to allow Cong. Beltran to be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities.



"Another month of illegal detention is way too long and definitely too inhumane for a man of Cong. Beltran's stature and health," Acting Chief-of-Staff Ofelia Balleta said.



"This state-sponsored political harassment against Cong. Beltran and his fellow party list solons must stop. The Arroyo administration, through the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice, has tried to prevent Cong. Beltran from fulfilling his functions as a duly-elected solon for the first quarter of 2006. It is also trying to prevent him from attending the nationally-coordinated celebrations of International Labor Day on May 1, as a veteran labor leader," Balleta said.


Beltran's supporters from the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) also vowed to step up nationwide and international protests over Cong. Beltran's continuing incarceration at Camp Crame. ###



FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT
NEWS RELEASE

April 4, 2006











Gov't wants Ka Bel in jail during Labor Day celebrations?

Beltran supporters vow more 'calibrated mass protest actions'



There is obviously intense government pressure to keep Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran in Camp Crame by the time of the nationwide celebrations of International Labor Day on May 1, supporters of the 73-year old illegally-jailed solon say.



"It seems that the Arroyo administration, through the blatant and malicious pressure from the Department of Justice (DOJ), wants to keep Cong. Beltran, an internationally-recognized veteran labor leader, illegally jailed until May 1 in order to put a dampener on the morale and fighting spirit of Filipino workers nationwide," Dennis Maga, Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) Spokesperson said.



Maga decried the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 137's 30-day extension of the promulgation of a resolution on the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause filed by Beltran's lawyers last March 2.

The month-long extension was announced yesterday, April 3, as Beltran's lawyers and supporters were awaiting the outcome of the resolution.



"A one-month extension means that Cong. Beltran will have to remain in illegal detention until May 3, or until the resolution is finally promulgated. This is too long and too unjust for the 73-year old Anakpawis solon, who has not been convicted of any crime," Maga stressed.



Maga and other FKBM convenors vowed to "build a cresendo of calibrated and nationwide mass protest actions" calling for the immediate release of Cong. Beltran.



"A one-month extension of Ka Bel's unjust incarceration will also yield thirty (30) days of protest until May 1, International Labor Day," Maga said.



"The Arroyo government has everything to lose if it frees Cong. Beltran before May 1. It knows that a free Ka Bel speaking on the podium of a Labor Day rally will only ignite more protests and just anger against the government from the broad ranks of the nation's working class. The nationwide calls for the passage of House Bill 345, which legislates a P125 across-the-board wage increase for workers in the private sector, is also sure to be raised. " Maga said.



FKBM convenor and migrant leader Connie Bragas-Regalado also said that many overseas foreign workers supporting Ka Bel throughout the nation were mulling the temporary halt of remittances through formal banking channels in order to add to the international calls for Beltran's release.###