BY AUBREY MAKILAN
Posted 5 p.m. June 22, 2006

More than a thousand individuals representing more than a hundred militant groups, under the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) network, will sign the new impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes during the formal launching of the complaint at Club Filipino in Greenhills, June 22.

As of press time, over 300 individuals and organizations have signed the 11-page complaint, also called as the “Citizens’ Impeachment Case,” said Leah Navarro, one of the lead complainants.

Private complainants were briefed by lawyers Harry Roque and Vicky Aveña on the complaint and the legal consequences of signing.

Among the personalities who signed the complaint were National Artist for Literature awardee Bienvenido Lumbera, Col. Guillermo Cunanan (Ret.) of Philippine Military Academy class ’66, and Nini Quezon-Avanceña, daughter of former president Manuel L. Quezon.

Also present were sectoral representatives like Dr. Reynaldo Lesaca, Jr. for health workers; lawyer Nasser Marahomsalic for the Moro people, and Maria Isabel Artojo for the youth.

Families and victims of human rights violations also signed the complaint. Arman Albarillo, whose parents were killed in April 2002 allegedly by government soldiers, and Ofelia Beltran, daughter of detained Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran, said that the success of the impeachment case would give them the justice that they, as well as other victims and their families, have longed for.

Killings and other rights violations are categorized under one of the main charges, crimes against humanity. The other two main charges are the exercise of dictatorial powers and graft and corruption.

Despite not yet certain of being able to gather the signatures of 79 congressmen to impeach the president and transmit the complaint to the Senate for trial, the complainants and lawyers are more optimistic this time.

“This time around, it is the people who are charging GMA,” said Roque.

The lead complainants also called on the Filipino people to urge their respective congressmen to endorse the complaint.

“If we fall short of the required number of signatures,” Aveña said, “another Edsa people power is possible.”

“There might be a third,” she said.

Meanwhile, Lumbera clarified that the still relatively small number of people joining protest actions does not signify that the people do not want change.

“Marahil napapagod (lamang ang mga tao) o dumadalang ang rali pero hindi ibig sabihin nito na ayaw na ng mga tao ng pagbabago,” (Perhaps the people are still tired or that the rallies are far in between but this does not mean that the people do not want change.) he said.

Lumbera also said that compared to last year, the people will have more opportunities at participating in the resolution of the crisis confronting the country.

“Narito na ngayon ang pagkakataon para mapalitan ang pagkabigo ng pag-asa,” (The opportunity to overcome the frustrations and failed hopes of the past are here now.) he said referring to previous failed attempts to oust the president.

On June 25, the private complainants and other pro-impeachment individuals and groups will hold a vigil to ensure that their complaint will be the first version to be filed at the office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives the next day, June 26, when the one-year ban on the filing of another impeachment complaint against the president expires. Bulatlat

© 2006 Bulatlat ■  Alipato Publications

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