Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran, labor leader and progressive lawmaker, was that kind of figure who could be called a “people’s statesman.” To the very end of his illustrious and colorful life, his concern above all was the plight of the working people, not only in the Philippines but throughout the world. He never for a moment wavered from pursuing the cause of national and social emancipation. He may be physically gone but the kind of life he lived assures him of a permanent place in the people’s pantheon of heroes.

BY FLON FAURILLO
Bulatlat
Vol. VIII, No. 16, May 25-31, 2008