We're still hopeful that Ka Bel will join us on Labor Day

Workers are still hopeful that KMU Chairman Emeritus and Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran Labor can join the Labor Day activities on May 1 despite efforts in delaying his transfer from the PNP General Hospital to Philippine Heart Center. "Come hell or high waters, Ka Bel will be with us on May 1."

"We will make special arrangements for Ka Bel so he can join and participate in the Labor Day activities wherever he is located. We will make sure that he will not miss anything on his most awaited day of the year. As a veteran labor leader, it will be hard for Ka Bel to miss a Labor Day activity, and of course we will feel the same if we can't have him to be with us on May 1," said KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog.

Supporters of Beltran from the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) and KMU held a picket at Camp Crame this morning while waiting for the release of the order allowing Ka Bel's transfer to the Philippine Heart Center. "Due to his continued illegal detention, Ka Bel's health deteriorated. He already has ailments like hypertension, diabetes and arthritis. He's all the more stressed by the conditions imposed upon him by the Arroyo government."

KMU also condemned the Department of Justice (DOJ) for issuing today rebellion charges against Reps. Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casino, Joel Virador, Rafael Mariano and Liza Maza. "Given the timing of the issuance of the charges, it is obvious that the government wants to disrupt our preparations for the May 1 Labor Day activities. With this, we'll have more cause to rally against Arroyo's attacks against the progressive people's movement.

"Arroyo is buying time for her government to enact the ominous Charter Change. The administration is attacking the staunchest challengers of ChaCha in the House of Representatives and that includes Ka Bel and the Batasan 5," Labog ended.