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Prolonged GMA rule must be rejected
Workers alarmed by proposals for a transition government
In a protest action today, the militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said they will do everything they can to reclaim Mendiola from the claws of the acting dictator in Malacañang. “We will frustrate any attempt to make Mendiola a protest-free zone. We will resist all measures aiming to quell legitimate grievances and political dissent and ravage Constitution-mandated civil and political rights of the people.”
KMU said that although Malacanang denied that they have plans to impose martial law and revive authoritarian leadership, repressive measures are being enforced to tighten the loosening political hold of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and project an image of stability in preparation for the arrival of US President George W. Bush. “Arroyo’s arrogant ways will not earn her any support from basic social sectors, especially workers. We will reject every attempt to lengthen Arroyo’s presidency,” KMU Chairman Elmer Labog said.
The group also said they are alarmed by mounting proposals from various political blocs to amend the Charter, shift to a parliamentary form of government and place President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a transition president until 2007.
“A transition government ruled by Arroyo is worse than Martial Law. Prolonging her leadership will do no good for the people. She is in fact the leading source of political and economic instability in the country,” the labor leader stressed.
“This plan to put up a transition government is totally unacceptable for us as it will pave the way for the possible extension of Arroyo’s term in office. It is obvious that the present administration is working hard to buy time for Arroyo’s political ventures before the May 2004 elections. Pro-administration legislators are pushing for Arroyo as their ideal candidate for the president in transition. They are bent on extending Arroyo’s stint as President either through legal means or political maneuverings. We cannot allow this to happen.”
Labog said that the two-year Arroyo presidency brought irreparable damages to the economy, political and military system. “The state of affairs worsened under Mrs. Arroyo, much more, the people’s livelihood plunged into a deeper quagmire of poverty and injustice.”
“We will support a transition government only if the Vice President takes over and implement policies that will give economic relief for the people and will effect significant political reforms.”