Militant workers preparing for Hero's Welcome for Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) announced in a press conference today that they are preparing for the imminent release of KMU Chairman Emeritus and Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran. The detained solon's lawyers yesterday filed a petition for Ka Bel's release before the Supreme Court.

"We are thankful to the members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union for their persistence in asserting for Ka Bel's release. Their lobbying to the Arroyo government helped in this development. Likewise, the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM), allies from various sectors including government officials and the thousands of local and foreign supporters who advocated Ka Bel's release contributed to this. By now, there should be no more barriers to Ka Bel's release. He should be a free man in the next few hours or days. We want him to address thousands of workers on Labor Day at Liwasang Bonifacio," said KMU Chairperson
Elmer Labog.

The KMU leader said they are preparing for a Hero's Welcome for Ka Bel. "More than anyone, Ka Bel deserves a hero's welcome. He is a champion of democracy. Despite the odds, he is surviving the repressive attacks of the Arroyo government. His untiring perseverance in fighting for freedom and democracy will now pay off. His detention is illegal and without basis. The Court must allow him to post bail. He must be released as soon as possible," Labog stressed.

Workers set standards for candidates who will get the Labor Vote

Meanwhile, the labor group also presented standards and requirements for candidates whom they will assure support in the coming elections. Our endorsements will be announced on May 1. The labor vote will be determined by the candidates' stance on issues relevant to workers and other toiling masses."

Based on the criteria set by KMU, "candidates must possess any of the following: support for nationwide demand for P125 across-the-board legislated wage increase; must have concrete and significant platforms on issues like employment, provision of social services like housing,
education and healthcare; must oppose and reverse regressive tax measures; must genuinely uphold the interests and welfare of the Filipino people and lastly, they must oppose human rights violations and punish the perpetrators of extra-judicial killings and other
abuses."

"We will definitely not support local and national candidates who are corrupt and those who have blood debts from the people. Two-faced and self-serving politicians will not get our backing. Choosing from the current crop of candidates, it's really hard to decide. But we are definite that the 'chosen few' will be selected carefully based on our requirements. We will ask them to commit concrete actions and support to our demands before we give them a thumbs up on May 14," Labog narrated.

Mendiola on May 1

The group said they are expecting around 35,000 people to gather at Liwasang Bonifacio on May 1. The Labor Day celebration will also coincide with the National Miting De Avance of Anakpawis Partylist. "The nationwide labor day rallies will highlight the labor electoral
agenda as well as issues of basic social sectors. Candidates are welcome to speak at the rally but they must first pass our screening committee."

After the protest program at Liwasang Bonifacio, the KMU-led contingent will march towards Mendiola to reiterate their complaints against the anti-worker and anti-poor Arroyo government. "It's high time we reclaim Mendiola and further assert freedom and democracy to the dictator occupant at Malacanang," the labor leader concluded.