“Vigilance must be maintained”. This was the advice of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) as Arroyo withdrew PP 1017 this morning. “The revocation was done merely in words not in deeds. The attack on people’s rights will continue to intensify.”
According to Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog, National Chairperson of the KMU, “The rescinding of PP 1017 shall be used as a veil to obfuscate the intensifying suppression of the people’s democratic, civil and political rights. By labeling the dissenters as ‘destabilizers’, it’s a go signal for attack. Even though Arroyo declared the revocation of PP 1017, warrantless arrest and summary executions of activists remains.”
Labog said Arroyo’s lifting of the State of National Emergency was done because “it was too hot to handle” as militants, media, lawyers, lawmakers and the rest of the nation bonded versus the Marcosian tactics.
Labog noted the report on DZMM that Arroyo use funds of the GSIS to infuse money on the stock market to make it bullish and create a positive outlook of the market on the PP 1017. “Another clear manipulation to perpetuate her stay in the Palace,” said Labog.
The Department of Justice made it clear that crackdown on political opposition will continue, as Rep. Crispin Beltran remained in detention on trumped up charges of rebellion and inciting to sedition. “How can service to the people, as exemplified by KMU Chairman Emeritus Ka Bel, and recognized by Congress by making him Congressman of the year for four consecutive years, be labeled as rebellious,” opined Labog.
One-party rule in the making
Meanwhile, Labog noted the start of a one-party rule under Arroyo. “Atienza’s coup on the Liberal Party was clearly orchestrated by Arroyo and Mike Defensor. Arroyo’s wants to maintain her grip on power by attacking the political parties opposed to her. Arroyo’s is already consolidating power as election season is in the air,” said Labog.
Labog said that Arroyo will do everything to remain seated in Malacañang. “Like a rabid dog, she will attack anyone who will express dissent to her rule. Even Ka Bel who is already 73 years old and suffering from hypertension will not be spared,” stated Labog.
Yesterday, Ka Bel was rushed to the hospital due to hypertension, affirming the fear of the family and supporters of the Anakpawis Partylist Representative. “We are reiterating our demand that Ka Bel be removed from Camp Crame and be brought to the Philippine Heart Center before his medical condition becomes even worse,” ended Labog. ###