US, biggest gainer in Aquino win - KMU

Uncle Sam must be very happy.

This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s reaction to reports that the US Embassy, the New York-based Moody’s Investors Service and foreign investors are praising in chorus the results of the country’s first automated elections, saying indirect US rule in the country has been reinforced.

“The US could not contain its glee over the elections. The results, as well as the election’s perceived ‘smooth’ conduct all serve US interests in the Philippines,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.

“First, Gloria Arroyo, who is the object of the workers’ and people’s wrath, can now be dropped like a hot potato. Second, Gloria’s replacement, Noynoy Aquino, is a popular candidate who also subscribes to the pro-US economic policies that were implemented by Gloria. Third, with their bandwagon for ‘smooth and clean elections,’ spin masters are discouraging election-related protests which could negatively affect investor confidence,” added Labog.

KMU said it is also in the interest of US and big businesses to get Gloria Arroyo replaced in Malacañang by no less than Aquino, who has earned the business groups’ trust and confidence since the campaign period.

“It should be noted that Moody’s and various business chambers have readily thrown their support to an Aquino presidency ahead of the official proclamation of the winner in the presidential race. Clearly, they are too eager to get Arroyo replaced because the popular discontent that could only intensify with her continued stay will hurt business confidence and credit outlook,” Labog said.

“US puppets who have become unpopular are hastily replaced by popular ones who nonetheless favor US interests. That is the lesson of history, not only in the Philippines but also in other countries,” added Labog.

The labor leader said the automation of the elections is the US’s master stroke in preventing election-related protests from breaking out.

“It is now becoming clear that the automated character of the elections has done away with various processes of verification from different groups while at the same time making the results of the elections seem credible. It has made it difficult for various groups to verify and prove for themselves the credibility of the counting of votes,” Labog concluded.