KMU to Noy: Shock us by ordering Arroyo’s prosecution

“You want to shock us? Order Gloria Arroyo’s immediate prosecution in your SONA.”

This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s reaction to President Noynoy Aquino’s statement that the people will be “shocked” by what is left of the government coffers, saying what matters at this point is his administration’s concrete action to punish the “primary thief.”

“It’s essentially pointless for President Aquino to enumerate more anomalies made by Gloria Arroyo when the former president enjoys a comfortable seat in the plenary hall. It would be more shocking if Aquino will categorically order Arroyo’s prosecution right in front of her,” said KMU chairperson Elmer “Bong” Labog.

“That would perhaps be the most shocking State of the Nation Address in the entire history of this country – and for a good reason, since Arroyo’s is the most shocking regime in recent history,” he added.

The labor leader said Filipino workers and the people have long been been shocked by Arroyo’s rampant corruption, wave of extra-judicial killings and brazen disregard for the poor under her regime.

“Aquino should instead do the next logical step towards justice and that is prosecution. If he fails to announce concrete steps for the prosecution of Arroyo, his expose’s will be seen as an attempt to evade taking concrete action while maintaining an anti-Arroyo posture,” Labog said.

Punish Palparan for a change

KMU said workers also urge Aquino to order the prosecution of notorious military officers linked to activist killings, including the “butcher” Jovito Palparan.

“In 2006, Arroyo praised Palparan in her SONA speech for waging a bloody war against activists and ordinary citizens. Workers are now hoping Aquino will utter the exact opposite for a change. He should order Palparan’s prosecution lest he be accused of perpetuating injustice,” Labog said.

Push for wage hikes, land reform

The labor group said Monday’s state of the nation address will be an opportunity for Aquino to announce priority measures in Congress. “President Aquino should categorically push for the legislation of pro-people measures including a significant wage hike and the implementation of genuine land reform.”

KMU has been pushing for the legislation of a P125-nationwide wage hike, a call ignored by two previous regimes in the span of 11 years. The demand is now contained in House Bill 375 filed by Anakpawis Party-list Rep. Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano.

“Should he fail to mention any of the people’s demands long addressed to him, now that the clamor for change is very strong, Aquino would be hinting at another six years of impoverishment and injustice,” Labog ended.