Los Angeles Anti-Arroyo RAT Smells a Foul Regime

Philippine Consulate, Los Angeles – The anti-Arroyo RATs – "Rapid Action Team" traced the foul scent in the thick smoggy air of Los Angeles to the rotten Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) regime. Filipino Americans and their allies gathered around a trashcan with GMA situated in the middle indicating that it is "Time to Take Out the Trash."

John Parker of the International Action Center likened the Bush-Arroyo clique to a "magician drawing attention to one hand while the other is actually responsible for deceiving the public," referring to Arroyo's ten day visit to the US as an opportunity to gather more support for her administration all the while covering the fact that her reign has been riddled with corruption, economic crisis and human rights violations. Just this morning GMA News reported "According to former ambassador and senator Ernesto Maceda, the P66.885 million spent in the US visit is 15 times more than the $100,000 the US has given for victims of typhoon "Frank.""

A member of the United Steel Workers and Colombian activist, Geraldo, highlighted the importance of Latinos supporting the cause of Filipinos as "the situation of the Philippines and Colombia are very similar" in the realm of state policies and practices being implemented contrary to the people's sovereignty and welfare. Assassinations and enforced disappearances of activists of both countries have continued to skyrocket with impunity. "US taxpayer dollars are going into the funding of Philippine death squads," stated Bev Tang, organizer with Anakbayan Los Angeles. Protestors carried signs calling for "GMA, to stop funding human rights violations with US taxes!"

BAYAN USA took a lead in demanding the ouster of Arroyo and the withdrawal of the Philippines Millennium Challenge Corporation "compact eligible" status. Additionally, BAYAN warned the US Congress against awarding multi-million dollar grants that will pass through the hands of the Philippines' most notorious embezzlers – the Arroyo clique. Just earlier this year, thousands upon thousands of Filipinos rallied in the streets demanding GMA's resignation after key witness, Jun Lozada, exposed the large-scale corruption of the NBN-ZTE deal.

"Arroyo has flagrantly failed the Filipino people in order to expand her own personal wealth, and aid the on-going US economic and military intervention in the Philippines. We are one with the Filipino people's demand to oust Gloria," emphasized a written statement from Chito Quijano, Chairperson of BAYAN USA.###

US Chapter Contact info:

Website: www.bayanusa.org

Email: info@bayanusa.org

Contact: Chito Quijano – Chair

Cell: 626-255-5949

Philippines National Office:

No. 1, Maaralin cor Matatag Street

Brgy. Central, Quezon City, PHILIPPINES

Tel . 435-9151; Fax. 925-5906