[APWSLMembers 201] No stopping the fight vs dictatorship of Arroyo PP 1017 too hot to handle – KMU

[Kilusang Mayo Uno]

KMU NEWS RELEASE
March 3, 2006

No stopping the fight vs dictatorship of Arroyo
PP 1017 too hot to handle – KMU

"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 KMU, "The rescinding of PP 1017 
will be used as a veil to obfuscate the 
intensifying suppression of the people's 
democratic, civil and political rights.  The 
labeling of dissenters as 'destabilizers' is a go 
signal for attack.  Even though Arroyo declared 
the revocation of PP 1017, warrantless arrest and 
summary execution 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 radio station that 
Arroyo used funds of the Government Service and 
Insurance System (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 Outstanding 
Congressman 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.  "Manila Mayor Lito Atienza's 
coup on the Liberal Party was clearly 
orchestrated by Arroyo and Mike Defensor.  Arroyo 
wants to maintain her grip on power by attacking 
the political parties opposed to her.  Arroyo 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 his 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. ###