News Advisory

Philippine Peasant Support Network(Pesante-USA)

Los Angeles

August 30, 2008

NO RICE CRISIS IN THE PHILIPPINES: MAYOR JOJO BINAY IN LA VISIT

Los Angeles— “There is no rice crisis in the Philippines. It is an artificial crisis created by the GMA administration in the urban areas o use for its political maneuvers and economic benefits”

This was the stand of Presumptive presidential candidate for the President of the Philippines. Makati Ciy mayor Jejomar Binay when asked about the rice crisis in the Philippines. Binay held a press conference at Bahay Kubo restaurant in Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles, August 27,2008. Addressing a jam packed hall with Filipino community leaders from all over California.

” The real rice crisis happened in 1964 at the time of President Diosdado Macapagal. That was the real rice crisis when everybody even the rich and poorest was lining up for the rice. I was very young then and I still remember.

There were lot of rice harvest in the countryside.The oroblem is restricted to the urban areas like Manila. The problem is the NFA (government grains agency) does not buy it and favors the big business. They prefer to import rice for profits. That is why our farmers are poor” Binay said.

Mayor Jojo Binay lambasted the failed the economic policies of current Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in his capacity as the PDP-Laban president and the United Opposition (UNO), He is reportedly supported by former President Joseph “Erap”Estrada.

Pesante-USA, a Filipino peasant advocacy group in LA agrees with Binay on his criticism against the US-Arroyo regime. Pesante also approves of Binay’s criticisms of GMA’s repression of the opposition citing the recent killing of the Bauan, Batangas vice mayor and other unsolved killings.

Binay however did not answer what his stand or program on land reform in the Philippines. Responding to questions from community leaders, Binay said that is improbable that the Philippines will become a First World country by 2020 under GMA. But he said it is possible if right people rule the country. He also opposed the Charter change moves and said he believe that elections must be held by 2010.

Binay also expressed opposition to federalization and the parliamentary system of government. “ Any plans to turn the country into a federal state, turn it into a parliamentary system just to accommodate GMA will fail. It is just putting the cart before the horse.” Binay said in fluent Tagalog. .



Alpha Phi Omega fraternity association of the U.S.A hosted the event. He was hosted by Cecile Ramos of Burlington School and was well received by the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles. FACLA president Dr, Jose Baldonado was also on hand to welcome Binay during the luncheon meeting.

Filipino World War II veterans with JFAV were also present during the press conference as well other community organizations like AJLPP,Pesante-USA,FACLA, Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), JFAV, FASGI, HFNC and HFCI.