Thursday, July 06, 2006
Opposition senator's group signs impeach raps v. Arroyo
Various groups identified with minority Senator Panfilo Lacson and former senator Gringo Honasan on Wednesday became the latest signatories in the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
They signed the fifth complaint against the President, which will only be filed on July 24, the same day when Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address (Sona).
The groups that have joined the impeachment bandwagon include leaders of the Be Not Afraid Movement (BNAM), Sinag ng Bayan Foundation, Guardian International Brotherhood Federation, and Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc.(PGBI).
The BNAM was launched by Lacson at the height of the "Hello Garci" controversy last year while Sinag ng Bayan is headed by former House minority leader and
Carlos Padilla, who ran for senator in the 2004 elections under Lacson's ticket.
Lawyer Ramon Pedrosa, chairman of BNAM, said he signed the complaint as "a first step to bring honor and sense of patriotism back to our country because the laws of this country have been prostituted by the administration."
Like the first ones who have signed the complaint, Pedrosa said he and his group wanted the truth revealed, claiming that the country could only move on when justice and truth come out.
"The country cannot move forward unless there's truth and justice. This is the worst thing that has happened in the political history of this country,"
Pedrosa added.
Abner Afuang, an official of Guardians Brotherhood, said they joined the impeachment move to search for the truth, particularly on the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the Arroyo government.
"Masakit isipin na ang namumuno ay kwestiyonable ang legitimacy (It pains me ti think that the legitimacy of the country's leadership is in question)," said Afuang, a retired police officer who became a mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna.
Asked if Honasan, Guardians Brotherhood founder, influenced him to sign the complaint, Afuang said: "There's no influence. Our loyalty is with the Constitution."
The Lacson-Honasan groups comprise the third batch of signatories to the fifth impeachment complaint against the President, following a group of human rights victims and advocates led by Fr. Rolly de Leon of Norzagaray, Bulacan and supporters of former President Joseph Estrada.
The other organizations that signed the complaint Wednesday were Alternatibo, represented by Chit Vergel de Dios; Soldiers for Peace and Progress, Gen. Jaime Canatoy; People's Alliance For Democracy and Reform Foundation Inc. (Pader), Marcelino Notarte; Katipunan ng mga Nagmamahal sa Bayan (Kanaba), Joel Tapia; Kanluran ng Barangay Tanod, Inc. (Kabata), Manuel Tolentino Jr.; Women's Advocate for Peace and Progress (WAPP), Lilia Hao; Tau Gamma Fraternity, Efren Tausa; Sulong Masang Pilipino (Sumapi), Susan Yanwario; Samahang Magtitinda sa Kalakhang Maynila (Samasakamay), Federico Dunca Jr.; Bagong Silang United Residence for Socio-Economic Development, Vic Jimenez.
Drugstore Association of the Philippines-Romblon Chapter, Jumar Gregorio, Catanduanes Quorum, Sammy Besa; Samahang Tsuper at Operator sa Pampanga (Stop), Ace Dallo; Batangay Youth Organization (BYO), Bryant Padilla; PGBI Task Force Lawin-Punta Chapter, Juan Lopega; PGBI Task Force Lawin-Sta. Mesa Chapter, Ricky Oquendo; and Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan All Democratic Movement (Kaakbay), Cherry Cobarrubias. (DBP/Sunnex)
(July 6, 2006 issue)
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