Ka Dan, original rebel soldier, dies at 79
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080625-144633/Ka-Dan-original-rebel-soldier-dies-at-79
By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:32:00 06/25/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- “He was the original rebel soldier.”
The words were said in tribute to Danilo “Ka Dan” Vizmanos, retired military officer turned political activist, one month before he died Monday night at the age of 79.
Vizmanos had fought martial law and crusaded against the United States military bases in the Philippines, among other patriotic causes.
A Navy captain, he had joined the dissident movement, blazing a trail for others like him in the military to follow.
Upon the declaration of martial law in 1972, Vizmanos retired from the service, citing “incompatibility with an armed forces that was converted into a huge private army and oppressive instrument of the Marcos dictatorship.”
He was incarcerated for more than two years at Camp Crame, Fort Bonifacio and Bicutan with no formal charges filed.
While in detention, he was subjected to physical and psychological torture, including being injected with “truth serum,” in an effort to get him to betray his friends in the resistance movement.
“My mind was slowly giving up but I still had control,” he had recalled.
In May, a month before he died, his family, friends and comrades paid tribute to him in a special ceremony at the University of Makati.
“Ka Dan is the original rebel soldier,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said then.
Openness, enthusiasm
“The admirable qualities of Ka Dan were his openness to new and radical ideas, enthusiasm in making everyone understand and unpretentious leadership,” said Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo at the ceremony.
Exiled communist leader Jose Ma. Sison sent a recorded tribute: “We and all his countrymen take pride in Ka Dan Vizmanos, great hero and true soldier of the people.”
At the end of the two-hour tribute, highlighted by an emotional rendition of “Ikaw Lamang” by his grandchildren, an overwhelmed Vizmanos fought back tears.
“I can never forget this night,” he said. “This is the first time I have felt so honored.”
Vizmanos died of complications arising from a host of ailments, including cancer of the prostate, his daughter Diane said.
“He had gone increasingly frail the past month,” she said. “It’s very sad but at least he is no longer suffering.”
Vizmanos is survived by four children, Diane, Erwin, Alice and Danny, and 12 grandchildren, A.G., Joseph, Demi, Veron, Angelique, Japeth, Shem, Carolyn, Kevin, Vince, Danmark and Josheil.
His body lies at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Dao Street in Makati City.
Celebrate life
Diane said her father, otherwise strong and robust, had suddenly become weak in 2006 after the death of his wife, Alicia.
“After she died, my father lost his will to live. He would always be in a melancholy mood,” she said in Filipino.
Diane said the family would rather celebrate their father’s life than mourn his death. “He lived a full life and devoted it to the Filipino people… he’s my idol,” she said in an interview.
After he was tortured, Vizmanos said he left the “reactionary organization” that was the military to become a “militant activist.”
On his release from detention, he assumed leadership positions in leftist organizations like Bayan, Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainee Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya, Ibon Foundation and Philippine-Cuba Friendship Association.
Testified vs Marcos
In 1992, he testified at the US Federal District Court of Hawaii about the atrocities committed during the Marcos dictatorship. The same court would later hold Marcos liable for human rights violations.
Vizmanos authored three books, “Through the Eye of the Storm,” “Martial Law Diary” and “A Matter of Conviction.” His writings were described as “a critique of a social order that has chained the country to its colonial moorings and perpetrated social injustice.”
Diane said she was glad her father experienced being held in such high esteem before he died.
“It’s as though his life had become complete. He had done everything he set out to do,” she said.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Pagpanaw ni Ka Bel, pagpanaw ng isang tunay na bayani ng inaaping uri
'Maraming salamat, Ka Bel'
By ALETA NIEVA
abs-cbnNEWS. com
http://www.abs- cbnnews.com/ storypage. aspx?StoryId= 119730
"Maraming, maraming salamat Daddy!"
This was part of what Rosario "Ka Osang" Soto-Beltran had told her husband, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran, the day he died in the hospital.
"Sigaw ako ng sigaw noon nakaratay siya sa ospital. Sinisigaw ko sa kanya na maraming salamat daddy. Una sa pagmamahal, pangalawa sa pagmumulat. Hindi lang ako ang namulat, pati ang mga anak natin namulat," said Ka Osang.
Ka Osang said she couldnÂ’t ask for a better person than her husband who had given color and a new meaning to her life. As a husband, Ka Bel gave his wife love, utmost respect and strived to provide for his family.
"Isang mabuting asawa, isang mabuting tatay ng 10 ko na anak, isa siyang mabuting lolo ng mga apo namin at napakagaling niya bilang isang lider manggagawa," Ka Osang said.
Wedding anniversary in detention
In 2006, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at the Philippine Heart Center, where Ka Bel was detained for his alleged participation in the botched February coup.
The five decades were not always blissful, but the love they shared was tested and proven and made even stronger over the years as they weathered storms of challenges together.
Instead of feeling bitter, Ka Osang appeared to be a vision of courage and strength even as his death not only meant losing a husband but also a best friend.
She smiled as she described their relationship as a "developed love".
Who was Ka Bel?
Most people identified Ka Bel as a veteran of the parliament of the streets and a lawmaker, but only a few are aware of his background.
In a statement by Anakpawis, it said that Ka Bel, at an early age, volunteered as a courier for the guerillas during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. He also served as a farm hand and janitor after the war to support his studies. He then worked as gasoline boy, messenger, bus driver and then a taxi driver.
A strike against unfair labor practices firmed up his determination to fight alongside the working class after many were injured and three protesting workers died when police attacked their picket line. >more
"Saan ka nakakita ng dalawang hindi magkakilala na nagsama?" she said. Their lives crossed when then 15-year-old Ka Osang ran away from home and took a cab driven by Ka Bel who was 26. He offered her a place to stay when she told him that she had nowhere else to go.
Her father was angry when he found out that she stayed with a man for three days.
"Kaya kinasal kami. Walang pag-ibig noon. Ayaw ko talaga, iniirapan ko siya, sinusungitan. Pero siya, bukas ang isip. Sabi niya, napag-aaralan naman ang pag-ibig," said Ka Osang from the Kilusang Mayo UnoÂ’s Web site.
As years went by, Ka Osang began to love and understand everything about the man she married, and even his sense of humor.
In an interview during a tribute at his wake at the Iglesia Filipino Independiente (IFI) church in Manila, she said that Ka Bel would want her to tell reporters in the event of his death, his call for President Arroyo to step down.
"Sabi niya, pag ako namatay, ang bilin ko pag na-interview ka ng reporter, sabihin mo pababain na si Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, pag hindi siya bumaba, hilahin ko paa niya," Ka Osang said.
One of his children, Ofel Beltran-Balleta said the family deeply mourns this personal loss but they draw their strength from the multitude of people whose lives have been touched by Ka Bel.
Shared with the people
"Naniniwala kami na hindi naman namin kailanman naging solo si Ka Bel. Kahati namin ay sambayanan," she said.
Unlike other public officials, Ka Bel stayed simple and lived humbly. In fact, he only declared P50,000 as assets in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SAL), making him the poorest among congressmen.
Ofel said her father even applied for a loan in order to continue paying for a house in San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.
"Yung bahay sa San Jose del Monte nakapangalan sa bayaw ko na-acquire niya yun nung nagta-trabaho pa siya. Dahil hindi naman niya nahuhulugan at napapabayaan niya, ini-offer niya yun sa father ko. So father ko nag-loan sa opisina para may pambayad doon. Hinuhulugan niya iyun ng parang P5,000 a month pero nasa pangalan iyun ng bayaw ko," Ofel explained.
Humbling experience
Ka Bel never asked for anything in return, and the life he led even became an inspiration not only to his family but to others as well.
"Siguro sapat na napalaki niya kami ng maayos habang siya ay puspusang nakikibaka para sa uring manggagawa. Enough proof na balansiyado niyang dinadala ang mga bagay-bagay. In fact, sa kabila ng napakarami niyang schedule mayroon pa siyang panahon para magkumpuni ng bahay namin o magpaligo ng mga aso, magtanim," said Ofel.
At the time of his death, Ka Bel was 75 years old. But his age did not deter him from carrying out the responsibilities he chose to shoulder.
"Habang may naghahanap ng katarungan kung bakit siya illegally tinanggal sa trabaho, habang maraming manggagawa ang sumasahod pero nagugutom pa rin ang pamilya hindi nakakasapat iyung kinikita—iyun ang motivation niya para hanapin, bakit ba ganito? Ano ba ang dapat para sa kanila? Hindi man sobrang, at least, makasapat para mabuhay ng maayos," said Ofel.
Unselfish act
Ka Bel lived his life the way he wanted it to—simple but to its fullest.
"Siya ay talagang tunay at taal. Puro talagang manggagawa na naging lider-manggagawa. Sa istilo ng kanyang pamumuhay, hindi na siya umalis doon, pinili niyang manatili sa antas na iyun," said Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo.
Ocampo remembered Ka Bel as a very principled man and a highly effective leader who never lacked the passion and the drive to represent not only the toiling masses in Congress but also the other marginalized sectors of society.
Ka Bel served as vice-president and one of the three representatives of Bayan Muna partylist in Congress from February 2001 to November 2003. In 2004, he was elected as representative for Anakpawis and was on his third term when he died.
"Isang tunay, walang pagkukunwari, di niya itinatagong mahirap siya, di niya itinatago ang antas ng pinagaralan niya, prangka siyang makipag-usap. Kaya niyang makipagusap ng patas," Ocampo said. "Bihira ang ganung lider ng manggagawa na hindi makukuwestiyon yung katotohanan at genuineness ng paninindigan ng kanyang sariling katauhan."
"Unshakeable" was how Ocampo defined Ka BelÂ’s commitment to the working class, adding that the labor leader would have offered to lay down his life, if necessary.
Ocampo said Ka Bel took pride in the lapel pin of the House of Representatives which he always wore because it reminded him that his position was entrusted to him by the people.
His death showed a character of Ka Bel who valued simple-living. "Hanggang sa huling buhay niya, ginagawa niya yung gawain kamay--pagkukumpuni ng bahay, hinahanap-hanap ng kanyang katawan," he said.
Although Ka BelÂ’s death is considered as a great loss, Ocampo is confident that his legacy will continue.
"Mabubuhay siya doon sa diwa at damdamin ng mga naniniwala sa kanya," he said.
His life as an Inspiration
Another Bayan Muna party list representative considered Ka Bel an idol and inspired him to follow his cause.
Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño said he had a high regard for Ka Bel even when he was still with the Kilusang Mayo Uno.
"Para sa akin, isa siyang huwarang lider at talagang gustong-gusto ko sa kanya ay iyung pagiging mapagkumbaba niya sa kabila ng napakalayong inabot niya bilang lider ng kilusang unyon, bilang isang mambabatas," Casiño said.
Casiño added "Hindi umaabot sa kanya iyung anumang kapangyarihan na iginagawad sa kanya sa mga maraming posisyon na nahawakan na niya," he explained.
Ka Bel was a product of his time, he said. In terms of wisdom and experience, he was one of the last labor leaders of his generation.
"Malaking hamon para sa KMU, para sa kilusang paggawa ang pagkawala ni Ka Bel. Pero sigurado akong maraming lider na hahalili sa kanya, but we will probably never find another Ka Bel," said Casiño.
Ka BelÂ’s chief-of-staff Lualhati Roque joined ranks with thousands of people who mourned his death. For her, Ka Bel symbolized what public servants should be--fearless, incorruptible and ready for any consequences in fighting for what is right.
"Sa panahong ito, ang isang tunay na public servant incorruptible, hindi mo siya pwedeng matakot, basta sa paniniwala niya dapat ilantad ang mga bagay-bagay, ilalantad niya kahit anong mangyari sa kanya—makulong siya, i-harass siya o manganib man ang buhay ng pamilya niya. Kaya siya ay isang simbolo talaga ng matapat na lingkod ng bayan," Roque said.
The outpouring of support, she said, would show how the people realize the grave loss.
KMU chairperson Elmer "Ka Bong" Labog said Ka Bel was an outstanding labor leader and freedom fighter.
"We will miss his presence in the peopleÂ’s movement and in the militant labor movement led by KMU. But we will carry on his fight and struggles," Labog said.
Senator Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr., in his tribute to Ka Bel, said that as Anakpawis representative he was "a source of embarrassment to those who trudged the easy path to power, pelf and fame."
"His life puts to shame many of our brethren in politics and in religion who claim to love and serve the poor," said Pimentel.
Pimentel praised Ka BelÂ’s transition from being a firebrand "who in the minds of the conservators of the status quo meant being an arsonist who would burn anything which stood on the way to liberating his fellow workers" to a torch bearer "who in the minds of all well meaning citizens meant illuminating the path of those who search for the better life in a democratic and peaceful manner."
His journey may have been cut short but those he left behind are determined to continue his legacy of being true to the calling of serving the people and the country. #
By ALETA NIEVA
abs-cbnNEWS. com
http://www.abs- cbnnews.com/ storypage. aspx?StoryId= 119730
"Maraming, maraming salamat Daddy!"
This was part of what Rosario "Ka Osang" Soto-Beltran had told her husband, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran, the day he died in the hospital.
"Sigaw ako ng sigaw noon nakaratay siya sa ospital. Sinisigaw ko sa kanya na maraming salamat daddy. Una sa pagmamahal, pangalawa sa pagmumulat. Hindi lang ako ang namulat, pati ang mga anak natin namulat," said Ka Osang.
Ka Osang said she couldnÂ’t ask for a better person than her husband who had given color and a new meaning to her life. As a husband, Ka Bel gave his wife love, utmost respect and strived to provide for his family.
"Isang mabuting asawa, isang mabuting tatay ng 10 ko na anak, isa siyang mabuting lolo ng mga apo namin at napakagaling niya bilang isang lider manggagawa," Ka Osang said.
Wedding anniversary in detention
In 2006, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at the Philippine Heart Center, where Ka Bel was detained for his alleged participation in the botched February coup.
The five decades were not always blissful, but the love they shared was tested and proven and made even stronger over the years as they weathered storms of challenges together.
Instead of feeling bitter, Ka Osang appeared to be a vision of courage and strength even as his death not only meant losing a husband but also a best friend.
She smiled as she described their relationship as a "developed love".
Who was Ka Bel?
Most people identified Ka Bel as a veteran of the parliament of the streets and a lawmaker, but only a few are aware of his background.
In a statement by Anakpawis, it said that Ka Bel, at an early age, volunteered as a courier for the guerillas during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. He also served as a farm hand and janitor after the war to support his studies. He then worked as gasoline boy, messenger, bus driver and then a taxi driver.
A strike against unfair labor practices firmed up his determination to fight alongside the working class after many were injured and three protesting workers died when police attacked their picket line. >more
"Saan ka nakakita ng dalawang hindi magkakilala na nagsama?" she said. Their lives crossed when then 15-year-old Ka Osang ran away from home and took a cab driven by Ka Bel who was 26. He offered her a place to stay when she told him that she had nowhere else to go.
Her father was angry when he found out that she stayed with a man for three days.
"Kaya kinasal kami. Walang pag-ibig noon. Ayaw ko talaga, iniirapan ko siya, sinusungitan. Pero siya, bukas ang isip. Sabi niya, napag-aaralan naman ang pag-ibig," said Ka Osang from the Kilusang Mayo UnoÂ’s Web site.
As years went by, Ka Osang began to love and understand everything about the man she married, and even his sense of humor.
In an interview during a tribute at his wake at the Iglesia Filipino Independiente (IFI) church in Manila, she said that Ka Bel would want her to tell reporters in the event of his death, his call for President Arroyo to step down.
"Sabi niya, pag ako namatay, ang bilin ko pag na-interview ka ng reporter, sabihin mo pababain na si Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, pag hindi siya bumaba, hilahin ko paa niya," Ka Osang said.
One of his children, Ofel Beltran-Balleta said the family deeply mourns this personal loss but they draw their strength from the multitude of people whose lives have been touched by Ka Bel.
Shared with the people
"Naniniwala kami na hindi naman namin kailanman naging solo si Ka Bel. Kahati namin ay sambayanan," she said.
Unlike other public officials, Ka Bel stayed simple and lived humbly. In fact, he only declared P50,000 as assets in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SAL), making him the poorest among congressmen.
Ofel said her father even applied for a loan in order to continue paying for a house in San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.
"Yung bahay sa San Jose del Monte nakapangalan sa bayaw ko na-acquire niya yun nung nagta-trabaho pa siya. Dahil hindi naman niya nahuhulugan at napapabayaan niya, ini-offer niya yun sa father ko. So father ko nag-loan sa opisina para may pambayad doon. Hinuhulugan niya iyun ng parang P5,000 a month pero nasa pangalan iyun ng bayaw ko," Ofel explained.
Humbling experience
Ka Bel never asked for anything in return, and the life he led even became an inspiration not only to his family but to others as well.
"Siguro sapat na napalaki niya kami ng maayos habang siya ay puspusang nakikibaka para sa uring manggagawa. Enough proof na balansiyado niyang dinadala ang mga bagay-bagay. In fact, sa kabila ng napakarami niyang schedule mayroon pa siyang panahon para magkumpuni ng bahay namin o magpaligo ng mga aso, magtanim," said Ofel.
At the time of his death, Ka Bel was 75 years old. But his age did not deter him from carrying out the responsibilities he chose to shoulder.
"Habang may naghahanap ng katarungan kung bakit siya illegally tinanggal sa trabaho, habang maraming manggagawa ang sumasahod pero nagugutom pa rin ang pamilya hindi nakakasapat iyung kinikita—iyun ang motivation niya para hanapin, bakit ba ganito? Ano ba ang dapat para sa kanila? Hindi man sobrang, at least, makasapat para mabuhay ng maayos," said Ofel.
Unselfish act
Ka Bel lived his life the way he wanted it to—simple but to its fullest.
"Siya ay talagang tunay at taal. Puro talagang manggagawa na naging lider-manggagawa. Sa istilo ng kanyang pamumuhay, hindi na siya umalis doon, pinili niyang manatili sa antas na iyun," said Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo.
Ocampo remembered Ka Bel as a very principled man and a highly effective leader who never lacked the passion and the drive to represent not only the toiling masses in Congress but also the other marginalized sectors of society.
Ka Bel served as vice-president and one of the three representatives of Bayan Muna partylist in Congress from February 2001 to November 2003. In 2004, he was elected as representative for Anakpawis and was on his third term when he died.
"Isang tunay, walang pagkukunwari, di niya itinatagong mahirap siya, di niya itinatago ang antas ng pinagaralan niya, prangka siyang makipag-usap. Kaya niyang makipagusap ng patas," Ocampo said. "Bihira ang ganung lider ng manggagawa na hindi makukuwestiyon yung katotohanan at genuineness ng paninindigan ng kanyang sariling katauhan."
"Unshakeable" was how Ocampo defined Ka BelÂ’s commitment to the working class, adding that the labor leader would have offered to lay down his life, if necessary.
Ocampo said Ka Bel took pride in the lapel pin of the House of Representatives which he always wore because it reminded him that his position was entrusted to him by the people.
His death showed a character of Ka Bel who valued simple-living. "Hanggang sa huling buhay niya, ginagawa niya yung gawain kamay--pagkukumpuni ng bahay, hinahanap-hanap ng kanyang katawan," he said.
Although Ka BelÂ’s death is considered as a great loss, Ocampo is confident that his legacy will continue.
"Mabubuhay siya doon sa diwa at damdamin ng mga naniniwala sa kanya," he said.
His life as an Inspiration
Another Bayan Muna party list representative considered Ka Bel an idol and inspired him to follow his cause.
Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño said he had a high regard for Ka Bel even when he was still with the Kilusang Mayo Uno.
"Para sa akin, isa siyang huwarang lider at talagang gustong-gusto ko sa kanya ay iyung pagiging mapagkumbaba niya sa kabila ng napakalayong inabot niya bilang lider ng kilusang unyon, bilang isang mambabatas," Casiño said.
Casiño added "Hindi umaabot sa kanya iyung anumang kapangyarihan na iginagawad sa kanya sa mga maraming posisyon na nahawakan na niya," he explained.
Ka Bel was a product of his time, he said. In terms of wisdom and experience, he was one of the last labor leaders of his generation.
"Malaking hamon para sa KMU, para sa kilusang paggawa ang pagkawala ni Ka Bel. Pero sigurado akong maraming lider na hahalili sa kanya, but we will probably never find another Ka Bel," said Casiño.
Ka BelÂ’s chief-of-staff Lualhati Roque joined ranks with thousands of people who mourned his death. For her, Ka Bel symbolized what public servants should be--fearless, incorruptible and ready for any consequences in fighting for what is right.
"Sa panahong ito, ang isang tunay na public servant incorruptible, hindi mo siya pwedeng matakot, basta sa paniniwala niya dapat ilantad ang mga bagay-bagay, ilalantad niya kahit anong mangyari sa kanya—makulong siya, i-harass siya o manganib man ang buhay ng pamilya niya. Kaya siya ay isang simbolo talaga ng matapat na lingkod ng bayan," Roque said.
The outpouring of support, she said, would show how the people realize the grave loss.
KMU chairperson Elmer "Ka Bong" Labog said Ka Bel was an outstanding labor leader and freedom fighter.
"We will miss his presence in the peopleÂ’s movement and in the militant labor movement led by KMU. But we will carry on his fight and struggles," Labog said.
Senator Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr., in his tribute to Ka Bel, said that as Anakpawis representative he was "a source of embarrassment to those who trudged the easy path to power, pelf and fame."
"His life puts to shame many of our brethren in politics and in religion who claim to love and serve the poor," said Pimentel.
Pimentel praised Ka BelÂ’s transition from being a firebrand "who in the minds of the conservators of the status quo meant being an arsonist who would burn anything which stood on the way to liberating his fellow workers" to a torch bearer "who in the minds of all well meaning citizens meant illuminating the path of those who search for the better life in a democratic and peaceful manner."
His journey may have been cut short but those he left behind are determined to continue his legacy of being true to the calling of serving the people and the country. #
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Party list groups push for wider representation in the party list system
PARTY LIST GROUPS PUSH FOR WIDER REPRESENATATION IN THE PARTY LIST SYSTEM
[April 23, 2008] Reference Person: Atty. Neri Colmenares [09178350459]
BAGUIO CITY – In a press briefing today, Bayan Muna reiterated its firm resolve to pursue wider representation for the party list system in Congress by asking the Supreme Court to strike down as unconstitutional the first party rule and the 3-seat cap.
The 3-seat cap and the first party rule, which were imposed by the Comelec in the 2007 elections, essentially disallow the filling up of the 54 party list seats in Congress and disenfranchising millions of voters.
Both these issues were raised by Bayan Muna during the Oral Arguments before the Supreme Court yesterday.
Comelec Imposition
The COMELEC, then headed by Chairman Benjamin Abalos, imposed the first party rule which allocates a maximum of only three seats to the ‘first party’ regardless of the votes of the other parties.
Buhay which garnered 7.2% of the party list votes was given 3 seats while Bayan Muna which garnered 6.5% of the votes [Comelec Report No. 27] was only given two seats.
The 3-seat cap provides that any party will only get a maximum of 3 seats even if its vote entitles it to more than 3 seats.
The First Party Rule and the Three Seat Cap rule violate the proportional representation mandated by the Constitution which requires that the party list groups are allocated seats in proportion to their share of the votes.
The First Party Rule and the Three Seat Cap resulted in disenfranchising a total of 5,053,132 voters in the 2007 elections since only 23 of the 54 party list seats are currently filled up.
Thirty-eight seats were not filled up after the 1998 party list pools, while 32 seats remained vacant after the 2001 elections. In 2004 only 24 of the 53 party list seats were occupied.
These Comelec impositions specifically violate Article VI, Section 5 (1) and (2) of the Constitution on the party list system which intends to empower and enfranchise the marginalized majority via party-list representation in the House of Representatives.
During the Oral Arguments, Atty. Colmenares also asserted that the major political parties should not be allowed to participate in the party list elections. The Supreme Court decided in favor of Bayan Muna in 2001 to disqualify those who are not marginalized or underrepresented from participating in the party list election.
The major political parties such as Kampi, Lakas-NUCD, and Liberal Party with their massive resources and machinery are not marginalized or underrepresented and their participation will take seats away from deserving party list representatives of the people. In its petition (G.R. No. 179295) filed by Bayan Muna, A-Teacher and Abono on September 7, 2007 with the Supreme Court, the groups said that the principle of proportional representation, which is an essential feature of genuine people empowerment, has been gravely distorted.
The Bayan Muna lawyer said that to give flesh to the clear intent of the constitution, all that is needed is to adopt the formula outlined in RA 7941, the party list law, so that the 20% allocation for the party-list representatives can be filled up.
The other members of the Bayan Muna legal panel in the oral arguments were Atty. Manja Bayang, Atty. Jonel Torregosa and Prof. Lex Muga of the Ateneo de Manila University Math Department.
We are earnestly hoping that the Supreme Court immediately decide on the petition and correct the current anomaly attending the partylist system. #
Vincent Michael L. Borneo
Political Affairs Officer
(Media and Public Relations)
Office of BAYAN MUNA Rep. Teddy A. Casiño
Rm. 508, North Wing Bldg.,
House of Representatives, Quezon City
Telefax no: 931-5911
[April 23, 2008] Reference Person: Atty. Neri Colmenares [09178350459]
BAGUIO CITY – In a press briefing today, Bayan Muna reiterated its firm resolve to pursue wider representation for the party list system in Congress by asking the Supreme Court to strike down as unconstitutional the first party rule and the 3-seat cap.
The 3-seat cap and the first party rule, which were imposed by the Comelec in the 2007 elections, essentially disallow the filling up of the 54 party list seats in Congress and disenfranchising millions of voters.
Both these issues were raised by Bayan Muna during the Oral Arguments before the Supreme Court yesterday.
Comelec Imposition
The COMELEC, then headed by Chairman Benjamin Abalos, imposed the first party rule which allocates a maximum of only three seats to the ‘first party’ regardless of the votes of the other parties.
Buhay which garnered 7.2% of the party list votes was given 3 seats while Bayan Muna which garnered 6.5% of the votes [Comelec Report No. 27] was only given two seats.
The 3-seat cap provides that any party will only get a maximum of 3 seats even if its vote entitles it to more than 3 seats.
The First Party Rule and the Three Seat Cap rule violate the proportional representation mandated by the Constitution which requires that the party list groups are allocated seats in proportion to their share of the votes.
The First Party Rule and the Three Seat Cap resulted in disenfranchising a total of 5,053,132 voters in the 2007 elections since only 23 of the 54 party list seats are currently filled up.
Thirty-eight seats were not filled up after the 1998 party list pools, while 32 seats remained vacant after the 2001 elections. In 2004 only 24 of the 53 party list seats were occupied.
These Comelec impositions specifically violate Article VI, Section 5 (1) and (2) of the Constitution on the party list system which intends to empower and enfranchise the marginalized majority via party-list representation in the House of Representatives.
During the Oral Arguments, Atty. Colmenares also asserted that the major political parties should not be allowed to participate in the party list elections. The Supreme Court decided in favor of Bayan Muna in 2001 to disqualify those who are not marginalized or underrepresented from participating in the party list election.
The major political parties such as Kampi, Lakas-NUCD, and Liberal Party with their massive resources and machinery are not marginalized or underrepresented and their participation will take seats away from deserving party list representatives of the people. In its petition (G.R. No. 179295) filed by Bayan Muna, A-Teacher and Abono on September 7, 2007 with the Supreme Court, the groups said that the principle of proportional representation, which is an essential feature of genuine people empowerment, has been gravely distorted.
The Bayan Muna lawyer said that to give flesh to the clear intent of the constitution, all that is needed is to adopt the formula outlined in RA 7941, the party list law, so that the 20% allocation for the party-list representatives can be filled up.
The other members of the Bayan Muna legal panel in the oral arguments were Atty. Manja Bayang, Atty. Jonel Torregosa and Prof. Lex Muga of the Ateneo de Manila University Math Department.
We are earnestly hoping that the Supreme Court immediately decide on the petition and correct the current anomaly attending the partylist system. #
Vincent Michael L. Borneo
Political Affairs Officer
(Media and Public Relations)
Office of BAYAN MUNA Rep. Teddy A. Casiño
Rm. 508, North Wing Bldg.,
House of Representatives, Quezon City
Telefax no: 931-5911
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations to the Philippine Government
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT
As part of the KARAPATAN Submission Related to the Philippines
For the UPR First Session in April 2008
For the Philippine Government
Original Source here
Relevant Links:
United Nations Human Rights Council
UPR Philippines Stakeholder Information
As part of the KARAPATAN Submission Related to the Philippines
For the UPR First Session in April 2008
For the Philippine Government
- Immediate stop to and abandonment of the implementation of the Oplan Bantay Laya and other similar national internal security plans of the government.
- Resume peace negotiations between the parties to the armed conflict to pave the way in addressing and resolving the roots of the conflict and contribute to the achievement of a just and lasting peace.
- Effect special laws, procedures, remedies and courts that would effectively protect human rights including the speedy investigation, arrest, prosecution, trial and conviction of perpetrators without regard to technicalities and eliminating opportunities for various delays at different stages.
- Immediate repeal of the Human Security Act of 2007 and other existing repressive laws and issuances and reversal of jurisprudence engendering or providing sanction or impunity for human rights violations (including those authorizing checkpoints, expanding warrantless searches and sanctioning saturation drives, allowing the filing of common crimes with respect to political offenses, restricting and controlling the right to peaceful assembly, authorizing the demolition of urban poor communities, legalizing paramilitary groups, lengthening the allowable periods of detention without charges, allowing the imposition of food blockades, making political offenses as continuing crimes, expanding allowable warrantless arrests, rendering inutile the remedy of habeas corpus). Effectively, seriously and immediately address, prosecute and punish acts of terrorism and human rights violations by agents of the State.
- Immediate inventory, review, recall or non-passage of legislative, administrative, executive and judicial acts that either openly violate human rights, disguise their violations or merely formally recognize protection or promotion of human rights but in practice actually contribute to the engenderment of such violations.
- Discontinue the practice of criminalizing political offenses and actions for acts in pursuit of one’s political beliefs at the arrest, investigation, prosecution and trial stages and uphold the political offense doctrine by charging the proper political charges instead of common crimes.
- Unconditionally free all political prisoners, whether those arrested, charged, prosecuted, tried or convicted of political crimes or, as is the practice by the government, common crimes but with clear or convincing evidence that they are politically-motivated.
- Rebuke and discontinue the arbitrary, unfounded and malicious labeling of national liberation movements, progressive nationalist organizations and patriots as “terrorists” both in the national and international forums.
- Encourage the meaningful and full participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in monitoring and documentation of human rights abuses and effective consultations with them.
- Immediate, speedy, meaningful and effective justice to all victims of human rights violations including adequate compensation, indemnification, restitution and rehabilitation and establishing mechanisms for this purpose.
Original Source here
Relevant Links:
United Nations Human Rights Council
UPR Philippines Stakeholder Information
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
US Corporation Aims to Revive Financial Aid to the Arroyo Murder & Corruption Fund
April 3, 2008
Reference: Berna Ellorin, Secretary-General, BAYAN USA, email: secgen@bayanusa. org
US Corporation Aims to Revive Financial Aid to the Arroyo Murder & Corruption Fund
MCC Must Withdraw Philippines' "Compact Eligible" Status-- BAYAN USA
The US Chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or BAYAN USA, an alliance of 12 Filipino organizations across the United States, is urging the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board to immediately withdraw its claim that the Philippine government is eligible for it's annual Compact Grant.
Last March 11th, Philippine Finance Secretary Margarito Teves confirmed that the MCC Board had selected the Philippines as "Compact Eligible".
As an eligible candidate, the Philippine government can apply for up to USD300 million in MCC funds for social and economic programs. Malacanang is currently working on a proposal to submit to the MCC Board this year.
The Arroyo government has boasted for years, despite international scrutiny and criticism, of implementing a clean governance and enacting a campaign against corruption and poverty, standards by which the MCC Board selects it annual Compact Grant recipients.
In 2007, the Arroyo government was exposed for involvement in the anomalous ZTE-NBN scam and cash bribery of politicians for favors. In early 2008, the key whistleblower on the ZTE-NBN deal, Jun Lozada, disappeared upon arrival in the Philippines before eventually surfacing to testify.
"The MCC Board should immediately reconsider its position on the Philippines. It must know that any financial aid to the Arroyo government will be funneled towards graft, corruption, and human rights violations," states BAYAN USA Chair Chito Quijano.
Quijano mentioned that the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a Washington DC-based company under the supervision of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, is acting in collusion with the Arroyo government to circumvent growing concern within the US Congress to the repercussions of an increase US military aid to the Philippines. In 2007, wide-scale legislative advocacy and a public US Senate hearing called visible attention to the correlation between an increase in US aid and increase in killings and abductions in the Philippines.
At least 49 influential US lawmakers signed onto a letter calling for restrictions on US aid to the Philippines as a result of these advocacy campaigns.
In a recent visit to Hong Kong, an ill-received President Arroyo declared US-Philippine relations as "stronger than ever" and that both countries are "working for peace and development. "
"The Filipino people are probably the most pro-American people in the world, maybe even more pro-American than the Americans themselves," she said.
"Underneath the veneer of arrogant confidence lies a very desperate and unhinged Arroyo administration, " Quijano stated.
The 2008 US Appropriations Bill included definitive restrictive language on US military aid to the Philippines after much pressure from churches, community organizations, and human rights institutions. The threat of a cut in financial aid from the US government has caused the paranoid Arroyo government to hire its own lobbying machinery in Washington DC to undo these efforts.
"By using the MCC, the US and Arroyo governments are still acting in partnership to extend the US War on Terror in Asia by way of the Philippines. They will exploit the corporate realm in order to avoid the growing opposition and human rights initiatives of the US legislative branch. Let us not be fooled. The US executive triumvirate of Bush, Cheney, and Gates is intent on funding its surrogate Asian government in Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in any underhanded way it can because Arroyo is performing its dirty work in the Philippines through murderous counter-insurgency and strengthening US military stronghold," Quijano added.
Aside from over 900 documented cases of extrajudicial killings and 300 abductions, graft and corruption is at an all-time high under the Arroyo government. A recent report by the Philippine Ombudsman Aniano Desierto claimed the Philippinhe government has lost over 1.4 trillion pesos (approximately USD100 billion) in Philippine public funds since 1998. Under the Arroyo government, the Philippines continues to lose at least 100 million pesos daily or 36.5 billion pesos annually.
Common practices of corruption under the Arroyo government have included bribery, kickbacks, embezzlement, vote-buying, cronyism and nepotism. This has also included government-sanction ed criminal enterprises of black-marketing and illegal gambling syndicates.###
Reference: Berna Ellorin, Secretary-General, BAYAN USA, email: secgen@bayanusa. org
US Corporation Aims to Revive Financial Aid to the Arroyo Murder & Corruption Fund
MCC Must Withdraw Philippines' "Compact Eligible" Status-- BAYAN USA
The US Chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or BAYAN USA, an alliance of 12 Filipino organizations across the United States, is urging the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board to immediately withdraw its claim that the Philippine government is eligible for it's annual Compact Grant.
Last March 11th, Philippine Finance Secretary Margarito Teves confirmed that the MCC Board had selected the Philippines as "Compact Eligible".
As an eligible candidate, the Philippine government can apply for up to USD300 million in MCC funds for social and economic programs. Malacanang is currently working on a proposal to submit to the MCC Board this year.
The Arroyo government has boasted for years, despite international scrutiny and criticism, of implementing a clean governance and enacting a campaign against corruption and poverty, standards by which the MCC Board selects it annual Compact Grant recipients.
In 2007, the Arroyo government was exposed for involvement in the anomalous ZTE-NBN scam and cash bribery of politicians for favors. In early 2008, the key whistleblower on the ZTE-NBN deal, Jun Lozada, disappeared upon arrival in the Philippines before eventually surfacing to testify.
"The MCC Board should immediately reconsider its position on the Philippines. It must know that any financial aid to the Arroyo government will be funneled towards graft, corruption, and human rights violations," states BAYAN USA Chair Chito Quijano.
Quijano mentioned that the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a Washington DC-based company under the supervision of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, is acting in collusion with the Arroyo government to circumvent growing concern within the US Congress to the repercussions of an increase US military aid to the Philippines. In 2007, wide-scale legislative advocacy and a public US Senate hearing called visible attention to the correlation between an increase in US aid and increase in killings and abductions in the Philippines.
At least 49 influential US lawmakers signed onto a letter calling for restrictions on US aid to the Philippines as a result of these advocacy campaigns.
In a recent visit to Hong Kong, an ill-received President Arroyo declared US-Philippine relations as "stronger than ever" and that both countries are "working for peace and development. "
"The Filipino people are probably the most pro-American people in the world, maybe even more pro-American than the Americans themselves," she said.
"Underneath the veneer of arrogant confidence lies a very desperate and unhinged Arroyo administration, " Quijano stated.
The 2008 US Appropriations Bill included definitive restrictive language on US military aid to the Philippines after much pressure from churches, community organizations, and human rights institutions. The threat of a cut in financial aid from the US government has caused the paranoid Arroyo government to hire its own lobbying machinery in Washington DC to undo these efforts.
"By using the MCC, the US and Arroyo governments are still acting in partnership to extend the US War on Terror in Asia by way of the Philippines. They will exploit the corporate realm in order to avoid the growing opposition and human rights initiatives of the US legislative branch. Let us not be fooled. The US executive triumvirate of Bush, Cheney, and Gates is intent on funding its surrogate Asian government in Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in any underhanded way it can because Arroyo is performing its dirty work in the Philippines through murderous counter-insurgency and strengthening US military stronghold," Quijano added.
Aside from over 900 documented cases of extrajudicial killings and 300 abductions, graft and corruption is at an all-time high under the Arroyo government. A recent report by the Philippine Ombudsman Aniano Desierto claimed the Philippinhe government has lost over 1.4 trillion pesos (approximately USD100 billion) in Philippine public funds since 1998. Under the Arroyo government, the Philippines continues to lose at least 100 million pesos daily or 36.5 billion pesos annually.
Common practices of corruption under the Arroyo government have included bribery, kickbacks, embezzlement, vote-buying, cronyism and nepotism. This has also included government-sanction ed criminal enterprises of black-marketing and illegal gambling syndicates.###
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)