AJLPP Update

June 18, 2009

NO IMMUNITY FOR BAJA: A VICTORY GAINED FOR THE IMMIGRANT AND WORKERS COMMUNITY IN THE UNITED STATES

Los Angeles— “Half of the battle has been won!”

The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) acclaims the decision of Judge Victor Marrero of the New York Southern District Court that denied former Philippine ambassador Lauro Baja’s motion to dismiss the case on the basis of diplomatic immunity.

The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) rejoices in the fact that charges against the former Ambassador, his wife Norma Baja, their daughter Elizabeth Facundo and the Baja-owned LaBaire Travel Agency will proceed without the barrier of diplomatic immunity that has protected Baja.

The AJLPP said that “ in a rare gem of a decision that upholds justice in this land, the New York court side with the downtrodden. Oppressed and exploited women domestic workers.”

AJLPP also hailed and congratulated DAMAYAN Migrants Workers Association and Marichu Baonan for the hard won fight and and extend deep gratitude all working domestic workers and organizations for their relentless efforts in their fight for justice.

The AJLPP extends the most heart-felt congratulations to the legal team, led by Attorney Ivy Suriyopas of (AALDEF) and Attorney Aaron Mendelsohn of Troutman Sanders, and all those supported Marichu Baoanan and DAMAYAN in the advancement of the case.

This development in the Marichu case the AJLPP stated is significant and integral for the broader struggle of domestic workers for their rights both nationally and locally. This victory contributes greatly to the struggle for the NY State Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, now waiting to be introduced to a vote in the State Senate before legislative break on June 23.

If passed, the Bill of Rights would provide basic labor standards to this vulnerable workforce.

Advance immigrant workers rights and immigrant rights from victory to victory!

For information on the campaign and upcoming actions, please contact ajlpp at (213) 241-0906 or email us at ajlpp_socal@yahoo.com or visit our blogspot at www.alliancephilippines.blogspot.com

The AJLPP said that “ in a rare gem of a decision that upholds justice in this land, the New York court side with the downtrodden. Oppressed and exploited women domestic workers.”

AJLPP also hailed and congratulated DAMAYAN Migrants Workers Association and Marichu Baonan for the hard won fight and and extend deep gratitude all working domestic workers and organizations for their relentless efforts in their fight for justice.