FilAms National Day of Action Demand Independent Probe of Batasan Bombing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2007
Reference:
Valerie Francisco, Secretary General, Email: fire.nyc@gmail.com
Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE), NY Phone: 925.726.5768
Marisa Mariano, Chair, babae, San Francisco Email: info@babaesf.org
Phone: 415.412.8915
Donna Denina, Vice Chair, Pinay sa Seattle Email: pinayinfo@gmail.com
Phone: 206.438.3521
FilAms National Day of Action Demand Independent Probe of Batasan Bombing
The progressive network of Filipino organizations, BAYAN-USA, conducted simultaneous candlelight vigils yesterday, November 15 in four cities across the nation in light of the recent bombing at the Philippine House of Representatives.
Led by the Women's Alliance consisting of babae-San Francisco, Pinay Sa Seattle and Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE)-New York, the actions specifically demanded an independent investigation for the bombing incident. The death of Marcial Taldo, who died on the spot and injuries sustained by Representative Luz Ilagan of the GABRIELA Women's Partylist (GWP) was cause for sweeping distrust around the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's dubious effort to find the responsible party.
GWP Rep. Ilagan's stance on impeachment, along with other people's organizations, is reason enough for the Philippine government to target her. "It is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who should back off from the investigation of the Batasan bombing. The public's distrust on her is all-time high and that gives her no right to speak for truth and justice." stated Emmi de Jesus, secretary general of GABRIELA.
The national day of action brought to light the suspicious pattern of bombings and killings including the recent bombing at Batasan and the bombing at the Glorietta 2 Mall claiming 11 victims, to name a few. Coincidentally and conveniently timed around high level political scandals and bribery incriminating the Philippine president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and several cabinet members, the clamor for impeachment is reverberating within the nation and the international Filipino community.
Many issues taken up by the Filipino American groups have been ignored as a result of attempts to cover up increasing corruption in the GMA administration. " GMA's incriminating record gives her no credibility with the national and global Filipino public to claim righteousness at times of high political shams and trickery," stated Marisa Mariano, Chair of babae in San Francisco, " A thorough independent investigation of the Batasan bombing is vital to uncover the truth."
The US based women's alliance along with BAYAN-USA vow to keep a vigilant eye on the unfolding events in the Philippines. The Filipino American groups have readied themselves to resist another dictatorship in the Philippines.
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