"Judge Benjamin Pozon should replace Raul Gonzales as DOJ Chief"

Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today lauded Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Benjamin Pozon for remaining firm on his stance to imprison convicted US Marine Daniel Smith in the Philippines. The judge denied the petition of Smith's to return his custody to the US Embassy.

"We want Judge Pozon to know that we are behind him and we support his decisions. He must stay strong and firm against the bullying Amboys (American Boys) in the Arroyo government especially Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales," said KMU Executive Vice President Joselito Ustarez

"It's good to know that there are still decent men in the justice department. Gonzales' mere presence in the DOJ taints the credibility of the agency," the labor leader further said.

The workers' group said Judge Pozon is more than worthy to take the place of Raul Gonzales as DOJ Chief. "We want Judge Pozon in and Gonzales out of the DOJ. Judge Pozon represents and advance the national interest while Sec. Gonzalez is a traitor to a rape victim like Nicole and to the nation as well. The secretary should apply to be a judge in US or be one of the personnels manning the US Embassy here in the Philippines. "

Malacanang cannot postpone rallies vs. Chacha

"There's no stopping the wide spread protests against Charter Change. The prayer rally at Luneta will push through on Sunday despite Malacanang's last-minute efforts to avert mass actions directed at the administration's varied and desperate ways to amend the Constitution. We have all the more justified reasons to protest against the manipulation of Arroyo allies in the Congress.

The massive demonstration yesterday near the Batasan Complex is just part of our muscle-flexing and build-up activities. Especially with the Catholic Church and religious groups leading the prayer rallies, we expect more people to pour at Luneta," said Ustarez.