Bu-lat-lat (boo-lat-lat) verb: to search, probe, investigate, inquire; to unearth facts

Vol. VI, No. 5      March 5 - 11, 2006      Quezon City, Philippines

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Cordillera Women Call for GMA’s Ouster on Women’s Month

The Innabuyog-Gabriela Cordillera, Samahan ng Maralitang Kababaihang Nagkakaisa (Samakana or Association of United Poor Women), and Association of Women in Theology (AWIT) call for the immediate ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) as they celebrate Women’s Month this March.

BY PINK-JEAN FANGON MELEGRITO
NORTHERN DISPATCH
Posted by Bulatlat

BAGUIO CITY – The Innabuyog-Gabriela Cordillera, Samahan ng Maralitang Kababaihang Nagkakaisa (Samakana or the Association of United Poor Women), and Association of Women in Theology (AWIT) call for the immediate ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) as they celebrate Women’s Month this March.

The declaration of the state of national emergency through Presidential Proclamation 1017, according to them, is a tool of repression and a “death sentence” to democracy in the country.

“Why does the state focus its violence on legitimate representatives, when in fact, GMA is not legitimately voted by the people?” Vernie Yocogan-Diano, Innabuyog-Gabriela secretary general, said reacting to the arrest of Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) representative Liza Maza.

Sr. Alice Sobrevinas, OSB, spoke of the Church’s role in this present political crisis. “The root of this chaos is brought about by people who do not think” she said in Filipino. “The Church has different calls – be vigilant, watchful. However, we also need to participate. We need one courageous response to let the truth out.”

For the urban poor sector, Samakana’s Geraldine Cacho said that the poor remain poor because of the festered government. “The government is very vicious,” Cacho said in Filipino. “The women and children of miners on strike at Lepanto were underprivileged. Sidewalk vendors are driven away as if it is illegal for us to live.”

“We can’t study because of perpetual price increases,” she added. “We cannot find jobs since the government does not provide enough jobs. In addition, when we try looking for our own means, like sidewalk vending, we are declared as illegal and driven away. What is legal then? Are we poor because we are lazy or because the government is very irresponsible?”

Meanwhile, Diano announced several activities in Baguio for Women’s Month. On March 7, Sen. Jamby Madrigal will speak for “Voices of Women for Civil Liberties” at the UP Baguio auditorium. On March 8, the International Working Women’s Day, a photo exhibit, an ecumenical service at the Igorot Park, and a “Human Chain against Poverty and Hunger” along Session Road will take place.

Diano concluded that they will continue fighting for women’s rights, and for the ouster of GMA, with or without a state of emergency. “We are calling for a state of urgency for GMA to step down,” she stated. With reports from Joanne Lacsina/ Northern Dispatch / Posted by Bulatlat

 

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