June 3, 2009
Bayan leads indignation rally vs Con-Ass railroading
The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan led various sectors today in an indignation rally versus the railroading of House Resolution 1109 which calls for the convening of a Constituent Assembly. The groups under Bayan converged at the gates of the House of Representatives, the site of recent violent dispersals of protest actions.
The group said that the measure has reinforced legitimate fears that the Arroyo regime intends to perpetuate itself in power beyond 2010.
“It was the most disgusting display of the tyranny of numbers. At least in the past impeachment votes, they allowed the opposition was given time to air their views. This time, even opposing views were muzzled,” said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes, Jr. who was present in the gallery during the voting last night.
“The House leadership also did not want the people to witness the vote. Many from our groups were barred at the Batasan gates, some went home drenched from the rain. There were so many vacant seats yet taxpayers weren’t allowed in the gallery. The con-ass vote last night was definitely a new low for the Arroyo-led House of Representatives. The Lower House has absolutely no credibility left and will be forever known as a rubberstamp of the Arroyo regime,” Reyes said.
Bayan chair Carol Araullo said that the persistent moves to push for con-ass will galvanize the broad anti-Arroyo opposition into taking to the streets once again.
“There is no other recourse but to engage in direct action to protest this latest measure to prolong Mrs. Arroyo’s stay in power. We cannot leave the matter simply to the Supreme Court because that is what Arroyo’s allies are hoping for. We must start the protests as soon as possible,” she said.
“That Malacanang has certified this measure as urgent leaves no doubt who the real beneficiary is,” she added.
Bayan has called on its chapters nationwide to launch sustained mass actions against Arroyo’s charter change after the House vote last night. A noise barrage protest is being readied this Friday, the group said.
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