KMU supports CBCP call to “watch, critique and denounce the manipulations of the government” on Cha-Cha

THE labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today called Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel ‘Mikey’ Arroyo a “liar” for telling the country that his mother President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) will go back to teaching after her term expires in 2010.

“ We can tell Rep. Mikey Arroyo to his face that he is lying. We sincerely think that no one from our countrymen who believe in the values of propriety and fair play will take the words of  Mikey a grain of salt. After all, he is one of the congressmen who are actively seeking Charter Change in Congress and will ensure that the First Family will benefit most from it,” said Wilson Baldonaza, Secretary General of KMU.

According to Baldonaza, the KMU not only opposes the term-extension of PGMA and other congressmen thru Charter Change but also the plans of  lawmakers to lift economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution which protects our patrimony, natural resources and basic government services and utilities from foreign control and exploitation.

“ We believe that once Charter Change will be allowed, Filipino workers and our countrymen in general will be at the mercy of  foreign interests. Wages will be eroded more and contractualization of  labor will worsen. Full foreign ownership of companies, including public utilities which offer basic services like water, electricity and energy will be permitted which means the death of  our local business and huge profits for the multinationals,” Baldonaza argued.  

Support for CBCP president Lagdameo’s call against Cha-Cha

KMU Spokesperson Prestoline Suyat, on the other hand, supported the call of Jaro Archbishop and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Angel Lagdameo’s call  to the Filipino people to “watch, critique and denounce the manipulations of the government” for renewed efforts of lawmakers to amend the Constitution.

“ We are one with CBCP in opposing any moves to amend the Constitution, particularly the plans of pro-PGMA lawmakers to extend their term. We firmly believe that a Macapagal-Arroyo government beyond 2010 is directly oppose against the radical changes being sought by our good bishops in the country.  We should unite today to save our country against evil forces which seek to prolong their reign,” Suyat said.