Kabataang maka-Bayan USA Pro-People Youth condemns the outright fascist Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) in its attempt to circumvent the democratic rights of the Filipino people by declaring a State of Emergency. On the anniversary of the EDSA People’s Power uprising, GMA sees fit to impose military might as she slowly loses all semblance of legal authority. Even within the confines of Malacanang Palace, President Macapagal Arroyo is fearful of her own shadow. With the increasing threat of a military coup de tat, at 11:20 am, GMA invoked Section 18, Article 7 of the Constitution that allows the President to call on the armed forces to prevent or suppress the Filipino people’s right to political dissent. GMA encourages through Proclamation 1017 for the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to take repressive measures in securing her power. This includes warrant less arrests, government takeover of utilities (including media), closing of schools, and a ban on rallies.

In the streets, the Filipino people have come together to renounce the oppressive administration and commemorate the gains of People’s Power in overthrowing the Marcos dictatorship. The young junior officers of the AFP who were trained by the U.S. military in counter-terrorism measures are now waking up to the realities of the U.S. backed Arroyo regime and its widespread graft and corruption, and have called for GMA to be removed from power.

We raise our voices with the youth and students in the Philippines and praise their steadfast resolve to reject the fascist attempts of GMA. Fear not the water cannons, truncheons, or risk of arrest because your efforts are in line with the generations of youth before you who have stood up to dictators and demand peace based on justice. We demand an end of the State of Emergency so that campuses may reopen. We the youth and students in the U.S. will do our part to shed light on this injustice and garner political and moral support to oppose the impending return of Martial Law.

We call on the American public and the international community to condemn this blatant move by GMA to desperately hold on to power. We call on the progressive forces and freedom loving people to support the Filipino people’s desire for a just peace and democratic government that works for the interest of the people.

End the State of Emergency!

Uphold the Filipino people’s democratic rights!

Oppose the impending return of Martial Law!

www.propeopleyouth.com

kmb_usa@hotmail.com