Arroyo’s tyranny will see its end

The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today said that today’s nationwide and international protests on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Marcos dictatorship will fortify the Filipino people’s resolve in fighting for the restoration of democracy and the overthrow of Arroyo’s despotic martial rule.

“Like what happened to Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and to Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra recently, Arroyo’s anti-people rule will see its end. Abusive and power-hungry leaders are meant to be overthrown in all ways possible. In the case of Arroyo, a civilian-led people power backed by the military will cause her downfall. We are always relying on the people’s collective action in ending the incumbent exploitative government.”

“Filipino people are working hard each day to fight Arroyo’s repressive policies, particularly the national policy of orchestrated political killings and persecution of progressive individuals and critics of the incumbent administration. Sagad na ang pasensya ng taumbayan. Hindi habang panahon makakapagtiis ang mga Pilipino sa bulok at pahirap na pamumuno ni Arroyo,” said KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog.

The labor group joined Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and other progressive organizations, opposition leaders and thousands of people in the protest activities at Liwasang Bonifacio.

During the program, KMU paid tribute to workers, labor leaders and unionists who martyred for the cause of the Filipino working class and the country.

“Ang mga martir ng kilusang paggawa mula noong panahon ng Martial Law ni Marcos hanggang ngayon sa ilalim ng Martial Law ni Gloria ang nagsisilbing inspirasyon namin para magpatuloy sa paglaban at magtagumpay laban sa mga kaaway ng mamamayan. He cited Ding Fortuna, Ric Ramos, the Hacienda Luisita Massacre victims and many others as modern day heroes for the Filipino workers.

Tomorrow, KMU will commemorate the first-year death anniversary of Nestle labor leader Diosdado “Ding” Fortuna who was killed by government mercenaries and military death squads.