Philippine Akbayan Party to seek life sentence for Arroyo (tags)
Even before newly appointed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales could step in her new office, anti-corruption advocates already have an important assignment for the new chief of the anti-corruption body.
Leading the Philippine armed revolution astray (tags)
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-Maoist) has spent a tremendous amount of manpower, financial and materials resources in the electoral campaign, in the process forging a tactical alliance with the landlord-bureaucrat capitalist Manuel Villar, the Nacionalista Party--and indirectly with the family of the late fascist puppet dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
PHILIPPINES: Sabotaging the path to the strategic stalemate (tags)
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has spent a tremendous amount of manpower, financial and materials resources in the electoral campaign, in the process forging a tactical alliance with the landlord-bureaucrat capitalist Manuel Villar, the Nacionalista Party--and indirectly with the family of the late fascist puppet dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
The Queen is Dead? Long Live the King! (tags)
The Filipino people never failed to amaze me. The Filipino has spoken through their hearts. Their emotions showed when they thronged to the polling precints by the thousands. Line-up for hours just to vote and trash the minions of GMA and gave them a resounding defeat. This is the surge of the anti-GMA sentiments that was translated into votes. The tide of the anti-GMA sentiments can be likened in the 1986 boycott called by the opposition the led by Mrs. Aquino after Marcos brazenly stole the 1986 elections.
FASCIST MILITARY VIOLENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
The arrest and torture of 43 medical and health professionals in the Philippines by the Arroyo military and police seeks to obscure the ongoing Ampatuwan-Arroyo trial and rehearse emergency martial-law schemes to prolong the Arroyo regime's corrupt and brutal domination. US citizens: will you allow millions of your tax-dollars to support Arroyo's military-police in fascist abuses?
GMA's Game of Musical Chairs in the AFP (tags)
PESANTE NEWS based in Los Angeles learned today through news sources in Manila that some questions are circulating at the AFP. Will there be a new face at the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by March or will President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stick it out with current military chief Gen. Victor Ibrado? Ibrado is due to retire on March 10, the day before the election appointments ban takes effect. The president is barred from making new appointments two months before the elections and until the end of her term.
NDF hits promotion of Army chiefs linked to Ampatuan massacre (tags)
The National Democratic Front scores the US-Arroyo regime for playing chess by placing its most rabid bootlickers in key positions in the reactionary government, notwithstanding its self-perpetuating move to change the reactionary Charter. The US-Arroyo regime is getting more and more edgy as its current occupant, Ms. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is becoming more and more despised by the Filipino people. With the widespread discontent on the country's political and economic situation and mounting calls for justice to the victims of human rights violations and the brutal November 23 Ampatuan massacre, Mrs. Arroyo's plan to perpetuate in power through the GRP congress is ever more audacious and blatant.
BAD OMEN FOR THE ELECTIONS, Pimentel: Garci boys intact, promoted (tags)
PESANTE NEWS learned today through media sources in Manila that the “Garci” boys were never kicked out. They even got promoted. Garci Boys are the officials of the COMELEC involved in widespread cheating during elections in the Philippines. Elections Chair Jose Melo should fulfill his promise to “ground” officials implicated in rigging the 2004 and 2007 polls, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said Wednesday.
NDF-Mindanao Hits AFP's "Four Aces" (tags)
Pesante News today learned that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Southern Mindanao hits the reactionary Philippine Army's stresses for 2010 calling them mere euphemism for a more vicious campaign against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement. The fascist Philippine Army's recently pronounced four ACEs -- Army's Concern for the Environment, Army's Concern for Engineering, Army's Combat Excellence and Advocacy for Credible Elections -- is only a preliminary propaganda purveyed by its chief, the notorious Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit. Bangit, the most favored among Ms. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's bootlicking generals, is groomed to replace current AFP chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado. Bangit from PMA Class 1978is now posturing himself to strengthen his bid for the AFP's highest position and dispel well-founded views that he will be playing a crucial role in perpetuating Mrs. Arroyo in power. His first attempt is to deodorize his unit's notorious record of human rights violations and electoral fraud. Despite Bangit's putting-his-best-foot-forward move, the Filipino people smell the stink of the Philippine Army's four ACEs. Its ballyhooed Advocacy for Credible Elections is nothing but a machination by the reactionary AFP to push its devious game plan of ensuring Mrs. Arroyo's victory in the upcoming GRP elections and continue her hold on power.
Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino for the next Philippine President (tags)
An administration that shall not enter into any compromises with Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA), her family and her cronies. A government that shall commit to reverse the political and economic damages wrought by the Arroyo administration. A political leadership that shall use its authority and shall exercise political will to introduce basic reforms that would restore our faith in our own capacity to lead decent and honorable lives.
PARDON OF AQUINO KILLERS-AN ACT OF A VENGEFUL REGIME (tags)
Makati Mayor and United Opposition (UNO) president Jejomar Binay yesterday described Mrs. Arroyo’s grant of pardon to the soldiers convicted of killing former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino as an act of “petty vindictiveness.” “Pinersonal na ni Mrs. Arroyo si Presidente Cory,” Binay said. “Just to spite former President Aquino, Mrs. Arroyo has committed an injustice to the memory of Ninoy, the Aquino family and to the people,” he said.
We in the Sisters' Association in Mindanao, an aggrupation of some 360 nuns coming from more than 40 congregations in Mindanao, renew our call for Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to step down. We have been unequivocal in the past. We continue to be unwavering in spite of the perceptible absence of a uniting spirit within the Church. But we are inspired by the Church as people of God where the Spirit permeates to bring about righteousness and morality in governance and in our communal life.
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo: Economist or Politician? (tags)
I think I’m a pretty good economist, but a very bad politician.” - by Gloria Macapacagal-Arroyo
PHILIPPINES: On Makati Siege; A crisis of institutions (tags)
The incident unfolding in Makati City today is not surprising. It is a logical conclusion to the abuses committed by the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) administration, from the dismissal of the impeachment complaint to the clamp down of democratic and constitutional processes.
PHILIPPINES: Estrada's pardon honor among thieves (tags)
AKBAYAN (Citizens' Action Party) condemned the granting of executive clemency for former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA), saying that it reflects not national unity but honor among thieves.
Philippines: Another Scandal rocks Arroyo regime (tags)
ZTE deal to cost US$527 million after 20 years of repayment
DUTCH FASCISM & BUSH-ARROYO STATE TERRORISM ATTACK FILIPINO REFUGEES (tags)
Colluding with U.S. & Filipino reactionaries, Dutch fascist authorities arrested Jose Maria Sison, a Filipino political refugee, and raided the National Democratic Front International Information Office in Holland. This is a clear example of State Terrorism working on behalf of predatory imperialist capital. All progressives and democrats everywhere should protest this outrage and support the Filipino people's struggle for justice, equality, and true independence.
FILIPINO EDUCATOR ASSAILS ARROYO DICTATORSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
World-renowned Filipino educator Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, former president of the University of the Philippines and head of the coalition, LABAN NG MASA, urges the formation of a revolutionary transitional government to replace the corrupt, brutal and illegitimate Arroyo regime backed by Bush neocons and predatory corporate elite. The following article provides a background to Dr. Nemenzo's principled critique of U.S.-Arroyo State terrorism.
CBCP slams conduct of midterm elections (tags)
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed dismay yesterday over the conduct of the May 14 midterm elections, saying the challenge of credible, honest, meaningful and peaceful polls remains. CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo lamented that “vote-buying and other anomalies have already become systematic and even cultural.” He said election watchdogs, including the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), said the problem no longer lies in the voters but the voting system itself and the irresponsibility of some election officials.
Mammoth electoral fraud in Philippines elections: Padding and shaving (tags)
Nearly three weeks after election day, there are still no definitive results for the Philippine elections to the Senate and House of Representatives. Counting is still continuing and in a number of provinces it has not even begun. This has nothing to do with inefficiency and everything to do with ballot-rigging. The Philippines is one of the most corrupt ‘democracies’ in the world. During the 2004 presidential election, the victory of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was widely attributed to large-scale fraud. A tape was massively circulated of a conversation between the President and Virgilio Garcillano, head of Comelec, the national election commission. Arroyo was heard addressing him familiarly, ‘Hello Garci’, and the election chief proudly assured her that he would guarantee her a million-vote majority.
Samantalahin ang lumalalim na krisis pampulitika (tags)
Ang naghaharing rehimeng Arroyo na mismo ang lumilikha ng kundisyon para sumambulat ang tumitinding krisis pampulitika at humantong ito sa maigting na pagtutuos sa pagitan nito at ng mamamayan. Sa desperadong pagpupumilit ng rehimen na makapangunyapit sa poder lampas pa sa 2010, ginawa nito ang lahat para maipanalo ang mga kandidato nito sa kagaganap na eleksyon. Nagsagawa ito ng todo-todong pandaraya at maruruming maniobra, panggigipit sa mga kalaban at malawakang paghahasik ng karahasan.
REPORT ON THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Interview of Filipino Activist Intellectual E. SAN JUAN, Jr.
Frustrate the Ph 200-million plot to install Dy as governor of Isabela (tags)
The impending proclamation of new politics icon Grace Padaca winning by a slim yet clear margin, is now at a standstill as there is a plot to deliberately delay and rig the results of Isabela polls in favor of the challenger, former governor Benjamin Dy. A deluge of legal maneuvers have been launched to buy time and frustrate Padaca's proclamation. We have sources inside the COMELEC that indeed, a plot to install Dy as Isabela governor has been ordered by no less than Mrs. Gloria Arroyo herself. To ensure its implementation, Abalos had been paid P200 million. Abalos currently oversees Northern Luzon in this year's electoral exercise. GMA promised the Dys that the latter shall regain control of the Isabela Capitol by all means, in exchange for the latter's (dynasty's) loyalty.
PHILIPPINES: Kontra Daya( AGAINST CHEATING) post election report (tags)
Kontra Daya ( Against Cheating) congratulates the Filipino people for their continuing vigilance against poll fraud, election violence and other anomalies. This report would not have been possible were it not for the vigilance of ordinary people who acted as Kontra Daya volunteers, sent us their texts and emails or called the Kontra Daya hotline. We also congratulate the various people’s organizations, the vigilant media, the election watchdogs and international observers and other allied groups for their efforts in monitoring the conduct of the Philippine elections. The elections this year saw the rise of a more vigilant and conscious people who would not allow a repeat of the fraud-tainted 2004 polls. Kontra Daya’s preliminary post election report is based on the groups’ own documentation, field date from the Task Force Poll Watch, reports from the People’s International Observers Mission, correspondence with other watchdog groups such as Namfrel, Alliance of Concerned Teachers as well as media reports. The fight against election fraud and violence is by no means over. Kontra Daya expects more incidents of wholesale vote rigging to emerge in the following days. The dark forces trying to subvert the people’s will are working overtime. The people’s vigilance and collective action are needed now more than ever.
PILIPINAS: Eleksyong 2007: Bulok sa kaibuturan (tags)
Ilang ulit na pinasahol ng naghaharing pangkating Arroyo ang bulok na sistema ng eleksyon sa Pilipinas. Labis-labis ang karahasan, pandaraya, panunuhol, maruruming maniobra at pambabraso sa eleksyon nitong Mayo. Isinagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng militar, pulis, mga tauhan sa Comelec at burukrasya. Lalong tumingkad ang kahungkagan ng sinasabing demokratikong eleksyon sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang reaksyunaryong sistema. Pinakamatitingkad ang pandaraya ng kampong Arroyo sa Maguindanao, Sulu at Bohol kung saan nagkaroon ng halos 12-0 resulta ang eleksyon sa pagkasenador pabor sa administrasyon. Sinundan pa ito ng paglilitawan ng 12-0 pabor sa Team Unity sa ilampu pang mga munisipalidad na kontrolado ng mga alipures ni Arroyo.
Filipino Workers urged: Vote for truth, full employment (tags)
Thousands of workers from the Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) and the Confederation of Independent Unions (CIU) gathered in MetroManila, Lipa, Cebu, Davao City, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro City,Zamboanga City and Cotabato City to commemorate the 104th International Labor Day, urging other workers to support candidateswho would vow to unearth the truth behind the 'Hello Garci' controversy.
PHILIPPINES: Ghost of the fraudulent 2004 elections will haunt this year’s polls (tags)
As the opposition and the administration finalize their line-up, AKBAYAN (Citizens Action Party) warned voters of opportunists who would cover up the single most important issue in this year’s elections – the ‘Hello Garci ’ controversy.
People's Court’ will try Garcillano for Cheating in Philippine Polls (tags)
News sources reported today that Filipino revolutionaries want former Comission on Elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano tried under a "revolutionary court’’ for his alleged role in the reported massive cheating during the 2004 presidential elections.
Esperon’s marching orders: Crush Reds (tags)
President Arroyo has given incoming Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon his marching orders: Crush the 37-year-old communist rebellion and the groups plotting to destabilize the administration.
Philippines: Anti-Arroyo Groups Brace for Bigger Fights Ahead (tags)
In a gathering of around 100 leaders from labor, peasant, urban poor, women and youth groups, the umbrella coalition Laban ng Masa is bracing for bigger fights in its bid to oust the Arroyo regime and initiate reforms under a transitional revolutionary government.
International Women's Day in the Philippines (tags)
Women of different political groups and professions were present at the March. Thirteen major groups joined forces under the banner “Martsa ng Kababaihan”. Present in big numbers were members of Akbayan, LABAN ng MASA, Bayan, Black and White Movement, women advocate groups like Gabriela Women’s Party, Welga ng Kababaihan, and WomenSpeak. In an interesting twist of history, this was the first time that the women’s movements gathered together in a common cause since the Marcos dictatorship.
CRISIS AND DISINTEGRATION OF THE ARROYO FASCIST REGIME IN THE PHIIPPINES (tags)
A critical analysis of the inherent contradictions in the current regime in the Philippines would reveal the logic of irreversible fascist decay. While objective conditions have polarized and sharpened the divisions within the ruling bloc, the subjective forces of national democracy and anti-imperialism have not fully organized and united to deliver the decisive blow. Meanwhile, the U.S. and its agents are working behind the scenes to pick a successor to Arroyo and re-consolidate its neocolonial stranglehold. But will millions of concerned Filipinos allow the U.S. and its "guns, goons and gold" to determine again our collective fate and national destiny? Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world will have to decide as the Arroyo cabal, convulved with death-pangs, lashes out at everyone within reach.
To bury the truth, GMA killed Philippine democracy (tags)
25 February 2006 AKBAYAN Party today denounced anew GMA's declaration of a State of National Emergency, saying that the draconian measures that the government imposed yesterday completely exposed the despotic inclinations of the ruling regime. "Yesterday's events were the last of the jigsaw pieces that revealed in full GMA's intention to rule the country through a dictatorship. What she has done is an insult not only to the millions of Filipinos who risked their lives to peacefully dismantle the Marcos dictatorship, but also to a world that was moved and inspired by the strength of our love for democracy and freedom. The dark days of Martial Law have been resurrected and they will haunt us as long as President GMA is in power and as long as systemic changes and democratic reforms are not in place," AKBAYAN Rep. Mayong Aguja said. "Just so she could evade the truth behind the 'Hello Garci' controversy, the President is willing to destroy the already shaky democratic structures of the country."
AKBAYAN: Filipino people ready to oust GMA (tags)
13 July 2005 : AKBAYAN today warned the President that the Filipino people is capable of using extra-constitutional mechanisms to remove her if she continues to refuse to listen to the demands of various sectors that are pushing for her resignation. The group said that extra-constitutional means remain to be a legitimate and valid option, especially if the available constitutional remedies will just be tainted by the same traditional politicians who are interested in securing their political future.
Goodbye Philippine President Gloria Arroyo (tags)
8 July 2005 AKBAYAN Party today said that the speech made by the President last night announcing that she will not resign and will push instead for major constitutional reforms indicates that "house is already burning." Akbayan also called the speech of the President, which called for the resignation of all Cabinet members, as a feeble pitch to preempt the expected withdrawal of support from key Cabinet officials.