EPCC News

Aug 28, 2008

OPPOSITION BET MAYOR JOJO BINAY BLASTS GMA IN LA VISIT

Los Angeles—Presumptive presidential candidate for the President of the Philippines. Makati Ciy mayor Jejomar Binay held a press conference at Bahay Kubo restaurant in Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles, yesterday, August 27,2008.

Addressing a jam packed hall with Filipino community leaders from all over California, Mayor Jojo Binay lambasted the failed 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.

Binay also lashed out at GMA’s repression of the opposition citing the recent killing of the Bauan, Batangas vice mayor and other unsolved killings. He also criticized the MOA on Ancestral Domain between the MILF and the Arroyo government calling it a “ betrayal”

Binay elucidated and detailed the “atrocities committed by the MILF against the Christian population of Iligan and Lanao. He said the MILF should discipline its commanders like Commander Bravo and Kato and cited so called MILF atrocities. He also cited the root cause problem of Mindanao insurgency as “extreme poverty.”

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 were also present during the press conference as well other community organizations like FACLA, Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), JFAV, FASGI, HFNC and HFCI.

For more info call Al P. Garcia @213-241-0906 or email@epcc_la@hotmail.com