March 8 Statement from Innabuyog
The PGMA regime is a bankrupt government wracked by corruption - millions of pesos in government funds are siphoned into the pockets of those in power as clearly seen in the fertilizer scam, hybrid rice program scam, the Marcos wealth scam, Jose Pidal expose, among others. The PGMA regime is an illegitimate government that rose to power through electoral fraud by cheating and stealing the votes of the people. The PGMA regime is on its last legs, weakened by internal contradictions within and among the cabinet, military, Congress and Senate. Yet, PGMA stubbornly clings to power, holding on by sheer force and violence directed against the people. On one hand, she offers Charter Change as bait to derail the burgeoning people’s movement calling for her ouster. On the other hand, she cracks the whip of fascism - banning rallies, censoring the media, political killings, arrest and detention of the opposition, militarization and human rights violations. The latest vicious lash was the declaration of a State of Emergency through Presidential Proclamation 1017. Meanwhile, on the ground, the Filipino people are desperately trying to live from day-to-day just to survive the worsening economic conditions. A chain of economic policies designed by the PGMA regime to salvage the floundering economy is now squeezing the life-blood from already impoverished Filipinos. Wages and salaries have been frozen for many years now, left far behind by the fast-rising prices of commodities and services. A double whammy was the 10% Expanded Value Added Tax, which rose to 12% just last month, and other additional taxes, fees and exactions imposed by government, coupled with rising costs and deterioration of public services due to privatization and cutting down of government subsidies for people’s welfare. The daily cost of living for a family of six was P508 in 2005, while the daily minimum wage was stuck at PhP200.00. Unemployment and underemployment reached a high of 8.3% and 26.1%, respectively in 2005. Meanwhile, the government continues to promote its Labor Export Policy as a way out, by selling our labor power abroad where our exploited migrant workers face serious and constant risks to life, mind and limb all around the world. In the countryside, farmers’ incomes are plunging due to importation of agricultural products imposed by World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and policies. This has led to the loss of traditional sustainable agriculture, dependence on food imports and agro-chemicals sold by multinationals and displacement from our lands and traditional livelihoods, aggravated by intensified exploitation of our natural resources by destructive industries like mining, logging and energy projects. Particularly for women, to whom the month of March is dedicated, we experience daily the violence of poverty and oppression. Poverty is violence in itself, not to mention the many other forms of violence against women such as sexual abuse, rape, harassment, prostitution, pornography and battering. Violence against women is increasing and is often accepted as normal or natural in our society that views women as inferior, for sex, for sale, or for the home. What is to be done in a situation such as this? A situation of bondage and poverty, where the people and women are chained down by a corrupt, illegitimate, fascist regime under a fake president in the person of PGMA? Break the chains that bind us, that is the logical and only answer. The broad masses of Filipino people need to unite and break free of the unjust system that benefits only the ruling elite and their foreign masters. We should not be cowed by the State of Emergency and de-facto Martial Law. Nor should we be fooled by the moves for Charter Change. Never again should we allow ourselves to be ruled by a fake president cracking the whip of fascist martial rule. We should work together to oust PGMA from the presidency, and set up a government that truly represents the people’s interests. Let us, women and men, young and old, farmers and workers, indigenous people, professionals and other democratic sectors, break the chains of bondage and poverty. Let us build a society where we, the people, can have enough to eat, earn enough from a hard day’s work and have the necessary social services. Let us work towards a humane and fair society that recognizes the full potential of women. Let us assert our right to self-determination and protect our national patrimony. Let us build a truly democratic and independent Philippines where we can find well-being, prosperity, equality and justice. Never Again to Martial Rule! Uphold Civil Liberties! Women Civil Libertarians, UNITE! Makibaka, Huwag Matakot! Oppose the Worsening Hunger, Poverty and Repression! Assert the Basic Democratic Rights of Women and the People!
March 8, 2006
On March 4, Innabuyog had a Women's Freedom Run which
was participated in by more than 150 runners/joggers. Its was an activitiy
for Innabuyog to highlight freedom from Hunger and political repression. We
had a forum on March 7 which we titled Women's Voices for Civil Liberties.
A lady senator, Maria Consuelo Madrigal responded to our invitation as one
of the speakers along with the executive director of the Center for Women's
Resources, Ms. Mary Joan Guan. One highlight of the forum is the signing of
the VOW of women for civil liberties lead by the lady senator and Innabuyog
leaders. On March 8, Innabuyog joined the government-led parade in the
morning as they invited us to join. Of course we were the ones who carried
different and more real slogans. Innabuyog held a women's exhibit at the
Igorot Park while conducting a signature campaign for the repeal of the
expanded value added tax (E-VAT) as an aid for a proposed legislation of the
Gabriela Women's Partylist to scrap EVAT. Another signature campaign was a
call on the Arroyo government to end political persecution and repression on
legimitate people's organizations/actions. In the afternoon (4pm), we had an
ecumenical service led by women in the religious sector. We had the moment
of silence in this part. A short rally-program followed that ended up with a
noise barrage while we prepared ourselves for a women's chain against
hunger, poverty and political repression. A concert for 2 strong Innabuyog
women leaders afflicted with cancer and kidney trouble ended the day's
activity. Our activities had good media coverage. We were able to highlight
the real issues of Cordillera indigenous women on hunger, poverty and
political repression. We were able to hold 2 big provincial fora, (one in
Ifugao and another in Mountain Province). Yesterday, we had a gathering of
widows, families of 3 of our martyrs whose lives were taken by the state
last year. It was gathering to call for justice for the 3 martyrs (Romy
Sanchez, Pepe Manegdeg and Albert Teredano) and extend support to their
orphaned families. Other provincial activities will come in the form of
educational activities. Again, congratulations to each one and may our
success make us stronger to face the challenges. |