[APWSLMembers 22] Labor Center to lead labor strikes and mass walkouts to condemn Arroyo’s refusal to resign

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KILUSANG MAYO UNO
(MAY FIRST MOVEMENT LABOR CENTER)
25th YEAR ANNIVERSARY 1980-2005
No. 63 Narra St. Bgy. Claro, Proj. 3, Quezon City
Philippines  Telephone 0063 2 421 0986 Telefax
0063 2 421 1049


NEWS RELEASE
July 9, 2005

Labor Center to lead labor strikes and mass walkouts to condemn
Arroyo's refusal to resign

The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today said they
will lead calibrated workers strikes and mass walkout from factories
and workplaces starting Monday to show the working people's
indignation to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's refusal to resign.

"Workers and poor people suffered enough under Arroyo's leadership.
We cannot allow her to stay longer in Malacanang. We will set up
barricades in urban poor communities and lead labor and transport
strikes to press Arroyo to step down immediately," said KMU
Chairperson Elmer Labog.

Labog said KMU welcomes the decision of some of Arroyo's former
allies and cabinet members to demand for Arroyo's resignation and
recognizes such acts as important developments in the course of the
people's campaign against the Arroyo presidency. "While we welcome
their daring move, we are watchful of their political agenda to
elevate Vice President Noli De Castro to the presidency without even
consulting various social sectors and negating the people's demand to
put up a transition council that will serve as a transitory
government after Arroyo's resignation or ouster. We will not allow
the political elite to dismiss the efforts of poor people who have
long struggled against Arroyo's corrupt and oppressive presidency."

Removing Arroyo will not make De Castro an instant president

"Though VP De Castro is Arroyo's constitutional successor, it doesn't
mean that he will automatically take over as soon as Arroyo is
removed. Ousting Arroyo wouldn't make De Castro an instant president.
Placing De Castro after Arroyo's downfall wouldn't change anything.
It's like putting a new collar to the old mad dog."

KMU said they will press for the formation of a transition council
that will embody the patriotic and democratic interests of the
majority. "The transition council will prepare for the next
government and will take over right after Arroyo's resignation or ouster."

Labog said De Castro could be a part of the council, but with
conditions of course. "The first thing that Noli must do is to
renounce his support to Arroyo and take a firm stand for the
President's resignation. He must prove himself worthy to become a
part of the council. We still want to know his positions on various
issues and national policies. If he fulfills the requisites, only
then can he be considered to take part in the council."

After the successful nationally-coordinated protests last July 7, KMU
is again preparing for another big rally next week. ###
Reference: Elmer Labog, KMU Chairperson, 0920-6388960

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