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October 9, 2003
On the Sandiganbayan ’secret’ lifting of SMC sequestration order
Gloria wooing Danding for financial support in 2004 - KMU
The militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno today said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is courting San Miguel Corporation president and political rival business tycoon Danding Cojuangco with the Sandiganbayan’s lifting of the sequestration order on 20 percent of government shares in SMC. KMU regarded the court decision as a clear fund-raising activity for Arroyo’s presidential bid in 2004.
“President Arroyo needs Cojuangco to boost her campaign kitty for the 2004 elections. The Sandiganbayan decision is a clear concession for Cojuangco and betrayal for thousands of poor coconut farmers who were divested of their rightful share in the coco levy fund. We condemn this shady deal between the Arroyo government and Danding. This decision made by the Sandiganbayan is corruption in the highest order.”
The labor group said that Danding looted the coco levy fund to buy shares in San Miguel during the time of Marcos. He managed to gain control of SMC during the presidency of Joseph Estrada. Now he is striking compromises with Arroyo to keep SMC under his management.
“Being a certified political crony, Danding uses his influence and financial capability to get what he wants and protect his business interests. His much coveted support is valuable for anybody who wants to run for President.”
KMU Deputy Secretary General and Ilaw at Buklod ng Manggagawa sa San Miguel (IBM-KMU) Workers Union president William Merene lambasted the government for keeping the lifting of the sequestration order a ’secret’. The order was signed last September 17 but was only released to the public yesterday.
“If the Sandiganbayan could declare as null and void the sequestration orders issued by the PCGG, then the Arroyo government indeed has all the powers to benefit its allies and prosecute its enemies. While Malacanang is bent on attacking critics and whistle blowers of various corrupt activities in the government, it is doing everything to protect criminals and big-time thieves.”
Meanwhile, the labor center joined other militant groups and anti-corruption advocates in a protest at the Senate today to press for the fast tracking of the investigation of the Jose Pidal case involving First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and his brother Iggy Arroyo.
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October 8, 2003 Wednesday
Red-hot rallies to welcome Bush
Labor groups to join protests against world’s chief working class
enemy
Militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said in a press conference today that they are preparing to mobilize thousands of workers for the broad protests against US President George W. Bush on October 18. KMU encouraged independent and moderate labor unions to join the massive mobilizations against the chief enemy of the working class worldwide.
KMU Secretary General Joel Maglunsod said that workers will protest nationwide against the chief enemy of the working class. “Bush represents the class interest and exploitative character of big monopoly capitalists and businesses. Multinational corporations, especially US-owned companies are among the worst employers worldwide. Globalization brought severe damages to the livelihood of workers. Workers in all parts of the country will launch and join massive protests against him. On October 18, we will paint the streets red from Benguet to General Santos City.”
The labor leader said that Bush’s visit will mark another level of subservience by the Gloria Macapagal-Administration to US dictates. Likewise, the Philippines’ designation as a “major US non-NATO ally” will further involve us in the war mongering activities launched by the US government all over the world. “Ordinary citizens, especially workers, do not stand to benefit from this master and lackey relationship of Bush and Arroyo.”
Extravagant preparations
Maglunsod also questioned the government’s overly extravagant preparation for Bush’s arrival. Reports said that the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will spend a hefty P10 million for flowers and plants alone that will be placed along the visitor’s route. The government will spend more for the security detail and accommodation of Bush and his entourage.
“No extent of face-lifting will conceal the real poor condition of the country. Not even the redecoration of Metro Manila streets or the rounding up of street children and sidewalk vendors will cover up the massive poverty brought by the government’s patronage to US-imposed globalization policies. It is hypocrisy of the highest level that while 88 percent of the population lives in the poorest conditions, the government is spending millions just for the 8-hour visit of Bush to the country.”
Maglunsod said that Filipino workers continue to suffer from the wage freeze policy and various repressive anti-labor measures imposed by the Macapagal government out of compliance to foreign big businesses and investors. The labor leader also noted that thousands of workers are retrenched daily due to globalization. Domestic unemployment now numbers to 4.87 million while more than five million are underemployed.
