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On the 31st anniversary of Martial Law
Workers rally vs. Arroyo’s reign of terror
Militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today said that they will defy any attempts from the police to stop protests before and during the visit of US President George W. Bush as they will push through with the broad protests on Monday, September 22, to mark their resistance against alarming repressive measures unleashed by the Arroyo government.
“On the occasion of the 31st anniversary of Martial Law, we will protest against the self-styled dictatorship imposed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. We will not secure a permit for our rally. We will march near Malacañang and demand for the immediate resignation of Mrs. Arroyo. Not even a thousand endorsement from her allies and patrons will make her liable for another term as President. Workers are totally fed up with her. We want her out of Malacanang as soon as possible.”
The contingent led by KMU will march from the University of Sto.Tomas, along España to Mendiola near Malacañang Palace where they will hold protest against the Marcos wannabe in Malacañang. “The Chief Executive is fast turning into a tyrant. The specter of martial law is haunting the country. Her ambition to follow the ways of Marcos must be nipped in the bud. We must continue to defend our civil and political rights against growing state repression.”
KMU Secretary General Joel Maglunsod said workers, government employees, urban poor groups and other sectors will march to Mendiola on Monday despite declaration of the Philippine National Police that they will use rubber bullets against anti-government protesters.
“Repressive measures including evident police brutality, no permit, no rally policy, dispersals and arrests during demonstrations illustrates the extent of fascism being exhibited by the government to ensure peace and order in time for the arrival of United States President George W. Bush. Mrs. Arroyo is ready and willing to maim even her own constituents only to show her unwavering loyalty to Bush. This unparalleled puppetry must be matched with nationwide protests.”
“As we remember the martyrs and victims of Marcos dictatorship, we will continue to say never again to Martial Law, never again to an oppressive government. We will persist with our fight for justice and democracy. We will fight Arroyo’s new brand of despotic leadership.”
Maglunsod said that aside from the worsening state repression, they will also denounce the never-ending repression against labor unions and worker’s activities. He cited that cases of trade union and human rights violations continue to increase under Arroyo’s control. Violent dispersal against workers protests and strikes are constantly executed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with the help of police and military elements. “We must end Arroyo’s reign of terror. We must do everything in our capacity to frustrate her evil ways and uphold genuine democracy of the majority.”