Wednesday, May 28, 2008
KA CRISPIN BELTRAN, TULOY ANG LABAN!
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For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos,
visit GMANews.TV
Thursday, May 22, 2008
KA BEL; bayani ka ng mangagawa at sambayanang pilipino!
For the last two decades, the name Crispin B. Beltran has been associated with pickets, demonstrations, strikes, and generally everything connected to the militant labor movement. Not surprising with him being the chairman of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). Since August of 2001, however, he has become known as something else a member of one of the biggest, most influential bastions of conservatism in the country, the House of Representatives. From 2001-2003, he was one of three Bayan Muna solons. From 2004 up to present, he now stands as the chairman and representative for labor and urban poor concerns of the Anakpawis partylist. Ka Bel breathes, lives and practices the politics of change and nationalism with the same fervor he does as a leader of the parliament of the streets.
But no less interesting than his politics is his personal life. His love life alone is the stuff of movies, megged by the late Lino Brocka or Ysmael Bernal, crossed with Jose Javier Reyes. Since 1956, Ka Bel has been married to the former Rosario Soto from Malolos, Bulacan. There's a joke circulating around activist circles that goes "Ka Bel is a voice who should be heard in the Lower House, but in his own house, it's Ka Osang whom he listens to."
This is their love story. Ka Osang is the product of a broken home. Her parents separated early in her childhood, and as the youngest among the three children, she was left to an elderly relative, her father's aunt who lived in Gagalangin, Tondo. Ka Osang grew up wanting for nothing she was given new dresses and jewelry whenever she asked for them.
But in exchange, she had to be obedient to the very strict, and sometimes unreasonable rules of her grandmother. She was entered in La Concepcion, a convent- school, and was told never to look at members of the opposite sex. "Wala talaga akong kaalam-alam sa mga lalaki nun. Si Papa lang at yung mga kapatid ko ang pwede kong kausapin." ("I knew the least thing about boys or men.The only males I was aware of were my father and my brothers.")
But the great aunt and the nuns combined were not able to curb the young girl's adventurous spirit. One morning, On November 10, 1956 she cut classes and together with a few classmates, sneaked into a moviehouse.
"Pinanood namin si Nida Blanca at si Nestor de Villa. Pero pag-uwi ko, nalaman na ni Lola ang ginawa ko. Matindi ang naging away," she says. (:|"We used to watch Nestor de Villa and Nida Blanca. When I got home, I found out that my grandmother already knew what I had done. There was a dreadful argument.")
In turned out that the Mother Superior herself came to the house and told her grandmother of what happened. Livid at being lied to, the grandmother slapped Ka Osang and told her to leave. And that's what she did. By 12 noonshe was wandering around Quiapo, with nothing but the clothes on her back and the other piece which her enraged grandmother threw at Ka Osang as she left the house.
In a daze, she entered into one of the taxis that was parked in front of Plaza Miranda. The driver was the man who would be her husband, the then 26-year old Crispin. "Napansin kong bata pa siya, at medyo tulala," was his first impression. ("I immediately noticed how young she was, and how lost she looked.") He asked her where she was going. Still reeling from her experience, she answered 'Derecho ka lang." (Just go straight ahead.") background image They had reached Monumento, but she still hadn't given Ka Bel specific directions. He stopped the taxi and turned to face her. Ka Osang remembers, "Naiinis na sya. 'Saan ba talaga tayo?" sabi niya. Ako naman, wala sa sarili, naiyak na. Sinabi ko na yung nangyari." (He started getting irritated. He kept asking me where it was really that I wanted to go. I started crying and told him the entire story.") Ka Bel was very sympathetic. She reminded him of his sisters back home in Bacacay, Albay.
He looked at her with compassion, and told her that he would drive her home. He also urged her to apologize to her Lola, "Masama magtanim ng galit sa kapamilya." (It's not good to harbor resentment against family.")
Ka Osang shook her head and made a move to get out. By then, night had fallen. Ka Bel refused to let her go "May masama pang mangyari sa iyo parang wala kang kaalam-alam sa mundo." ("Something bad might happen to you -- you look like you don't know anything about what goes on in the world." )
So he took her to his boarding house in San Juan where he lived with a few others, and told her to stay the night. She stayed there, in Ka Bel's room, for three days. "Tulala lang ako, nakatingin sa labas ng bintana. Kain, tulog, tatanga sa bintana, iiyak, matutulog. Sa susunod na araw, ganun na naman." ("I was almost catatonic. I would just stare out the window. I would eat, sleep, stare out the window. The next ay would be the same and the day after that.") She was alone most of the time, as Ka Bel drove the taxi all day, and at night attended school at the Asian Labor Education Center at the University of the Philippines. When he got home at night, she would already be asleep, on a low, wide bench that served as a bed, while Ka Bel had his own bed across the room.
"Ni hindi ko alam ang pangalan nya nun. Ang tawag ko sa kanya kuya," Ka Osang recollects, laughing.("I didn't even know what his name was.") Did she ever get a crush on him? "Wala akong pakialam talaga sa kanya nun, ang iniisip ko lang sarili ko. Pero napaka-maalalahanin niya."
("I really didnt care much about him at the time. I ws just looking out for myself; but I do remember thinking how thoughtful he was.") It was at that time when Ka Bel gave her what she calls his first gift. "Dilaw na sepilyong naka-kahon. May tatak na Good Morning." ("A yellow toothbrush in a box, with a label 'Good Morning" on it")
On the third day, Ka Osang wanted to go home But not wanting to further inconvenience Ka Bel, she left the house without telling him. "Nang malaman ng papa ko kung saan ako napunta noong naglayas ako, galit na galit siya! Pinuntuhan nila yung bahay ni Ka Bel, tapos binugbog siya. Wala naman akong magawa."
("When my father found out, he flew into a rage. He went to Ka Bel's house and beat him up. I couldn't do anything but watch.").....
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21 May 2008
The highest and most revered salute to Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran:
Working class hero of the people
“A hero serves the people to his very last breath.”
Jose Maria Sison
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
It is with this inspiring message that the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement Labor Centre) and the whole Filipino working class mourn the sudden demise of Anakpawis (or Toiling Masses) Representative and KMU Chairperson Emeritus Crispin Beltran. He died at 11:48am at the Far Eastern University hospital in Quezon City today due to severe head injuries after falling 14 feet from the roof of his house, trying to do some repair work. He was 75.
Affectionately known as “Ka Bel” by the multitudes in factories, workplaces, urban poor, and migrant worker communities throughout the Philippines and solidarity networks around the world whom he staunchly served, he has withstood the test of time, pressure, even under political persecution, in standing up to injustice in whatever form to fight for national freedom and democracy in the Philippines, and for a just and fair society for workers and people of the world.
KMU expresses its deepest and sincerest condolences to the family of Ka Bel. We join all comrades and friends in honoring him for his countless contributions and achievements as a patriotic, anti-imperialist, and democratic worker, labor leader, lawmaker, and activist. His working class commitment inspires us to advance the fight for genuine, militant, and anti-imperialist unionism.
A PROFILE OF ANAKPAWIS REP. CRISPIN B. BELTRAN
Kilusang Mayo Uno
http://www.kilusangmayouno.org/files/profile_of_Ka_Bel.pdf
While we are enveloped in grief with the tragic loss of this highly esteemed comrade, KMU is reminded of the legacy he has left behind which resonates throughout the working class movement. From the time he worked as a young taxi driver and becoming a labor leader in 1955, Ka Bel was instrumental in continuing the labor movement’s militant tradition and helped found the KMU in 1980. After being arrested under the Marcos regime in August 1982, Ka Bel escaped in November 1984 and organized among workers and peasants in the countryside. He then selflessly stepped up into the chairmanship of KMU when Rolando “Ka Lando” Olalia was brutally murdered in 1987. He was the chairperson of KMU until 2003 when he was bestowed as Chairperson Emeritus of the organization.
As an elected representative of the party list group Bayan Muna (or People First) in 2001, then later Anakpawis (or Toiling Masses) in 2004 and 2007, Ka Bel steadfastly carried the interest of the workers to the halls of the Congress. Among the bills he has filed are the PhP 125 daily wage increase for private sector workers and PhP 3000 daily wage hike for public sector workers, the repeal of the Assumption of Jurisdiction, the abolition of the Electric Power Reform Act (EPIRA), the abolition of the oil deregulation law, a bill against massive labor contractualization practices and many others. At the time of his death, he was set to file a bill calling for the repeal of the extended value added tax for oil products which is causing very high prices of oil.
Ka Bel is also a true internationalist and carried the spirit of proletarian internationalism to his heart. He became the founding chairperson of the International League of People’s Struggle, as well as a leader and member of various international and regional formations. Unmindful of his old age and deteriorating health condition, Ka Bel traveled to various countries upon invitation of migrant workers and solidarity networks to speak at conferences, fora and meetings on the plight of the Filipino workers and the struggle of the working class against imperialist globalization.
KMU will pay its highest tribute to Ka Bel, a great labor leader and a courageous hero of the working class and people. The tribute will be held at the Philippine Independent Church (PIC) along Taft Avenue, Manila at 8:00 – 10:00pm on May 21 (Tuesday). His remains will stay at PIC until May 26.
Internment schedule:
May 20 funeral service at Funeraria Paz Memorial Homes;
remains to stay at Ka Bel’s residence for the night at Lot
16, Blk 30, Francisco Homes 3, San Jose del Monte,
Bulacan
May 21 Trade Union night. Tribute to be led by Kilusang Mayo
Uno.
3:00pm assembly at Plaza Salamanca, Kalaw, Manila to wait for
the remains of Ka Bel then short march to PIC
7:00 pm – public viewing
8:00 – 10:00 pm – workers’ tribute
May 22 Tribute by progressive party list groups sponsored by
Anakpawis, Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women’s Party
May 23 Tribute sponsored by youth groups Anakbayan and
others
May 24 Tribute sponsored by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
May 25 Tribute from Ka Bel’s family and relatives
May 26 remains to be brought to the House of Representative for
a tribute and will be brought back to PIC final tribute
sponsored by Anakpawis, KMU, COURAGE
(government employees’ organization), KMP (peasants’
organization) and others
May 27 cremation
Please join us in paying the highest honors to this selfless and dedicated man who served the Filipino people and the whole working class for more than five decades of his life.
Messages of solidarity and condolences can be sent to Mr. Elmer Labog, KMU Chairperson, at kmu.intl@gmail.com. We will read excerpts of your messages at tonight’s tribute to Ka Bel and at other tribute programs. We also wish to thank all those who have already sent in their messages. We have forwarded them to the family of Ka Bel and they are sending their appreciation for your solidarity during this trying moment of their lives.
Financial donations for the funeral service and other related burial expenses of Ka Bel are very much welcome. Please write us for inquiries on how you can forward your donation. You may also call KMU at (632) 421-1049, 421-0986 and 421-0768.
Thank you.
In solidarity,
Tess Dioquino, Secretary. International Department, KMU
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Thursday, May 15, 2008
Youth group slams ISAFP harassment of PCU student leader
The TANGGULAN Youth Network of Civil Liberties and Human Rights condemns the continuous harassment experienced by Glaiza T. Dimapilis, 19 years old, student and the incumbent President of University Student Government of the Philippine Christian University (PCU), from elements of the government's intelligence agency.
Biyaya Quizon, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines chairperson and TANGGULAN Convenor joins Glaiza in a Press Conference held today at the PCU grounds. Quizon demands that the military stop its harassment of student leaders and called on the government to stop its counter-insurgency operations in the campuses in Metro Manila and nationwide.
"The government is undoubtedly wary of the opening of classes and harassment of student activists is part of its preparation to avert the protests and student mobilizations in the coming months towards the State of the Nation Address of Arroyo in July," Biyaya said.
Dimapilis and her friends reported to TANGGULAN Friday, that she is being stalked by a military intelligence agent of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAPF) for two consecutive days since May 7, 2008.
Worried of her safety, Dimapili's parents moved her from their house to a relative's house on May 9, after the same intelligence agent came to their house located in Barangay Villamor near the Villamor Airbase, and convinced them to "turn over" their daughter to Camp Crame.
"Order of Battle"
Glaiza said that she was present when the ISAFP agent, who identified himself as Mike Santos, said that Glaiza is a known figure in PCU and included in "Order of Battle" of the ISAFP in the National Capital Region. Glaiza added that the ISAFP agent even told her parents that there is a "plan" to abduct her so she is being warned to stop her activities.
"In the line of his speaking, he wants my parents to believe that my involvement as a student leader in PCU is a trouble. He added that I am being used as a front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF) and that is why I should go to Camp Crame."
Glaiza is a member of the Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB) of the Jesus is Lord Church, an officer of the student council of PCU since 2006 and its current President. During her term in the council, she has been vocal against the deployment and incursion of the military in the campuses in Metro Manila and became the spokesperson of the U WATCH!, a network of youth groups formed last year opposing urban and campus militarization.
Real Threat
Her parents went to the PCU Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) on May 9 and sought the university's help regarding the threats, while Glaiza stayed in her relative's house. They complained that Glaiza is fearful of the "stalker" who follows her from their house to the PCU gates and knew her exact class schedules.
The OSA offered a certain Maj. Fernandez of the ISAFP which the OSA said could help Glaiza's security problems. The OSA arranged the meeting of the parents and certain Maj. Fernandez. Maj. Fernandez went to the Dimapilis residence at Barangay Villamor late afternoon of May 9.
During the meeting of her parents with Maj. Fernandez, Leonisa Dimapilis, Glaiza's mother texted Glaiza not to go out from their relative's house because she said there are many men "posted outside". She was referring to the companions of Maj. Fernandez who stayed outside of their house and other suspicious-looking men nearby and observing.
Glaiza's mother also informed her that Ma. Fernandez also confirmed that Glaiza is in the OB (order of battle) of the military and been convincing them to accompany her to the Camp Crame and "cooperate".
Fearing any eventuality, this prompted Glaiza to ask for a "rescue team" who can pull-her out of Barangay Villamor, where she felt she is not "secure" about her movement and freedom.
Rescued
At around 9 p.m. yesterday, Glaiza was taken out of Barangay Villamor, Villamor Airbase by her friends, colleagues in the student council, and TANGGULAN in coordination with the PCU administration and some churches. She is temporarily under the custody of a church.
In a phone conversation around 10:30 in the evening, Glaiza's mother said that Maj. Fernandez' visit was not to give protection but rather convinced them to sway Glaiza to go to Camp Crame, give her information on other youth activist groups listed in the OB and be a "tracer" for them. She further said that, Fernandez said Glaiza is involved in "front organizations" of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Dimapilis went emotional as she recounted her ordeal during the past days. She urged her parents not to be threatened by the ISAFP and pleaded for support in her plan to file a writ of amparo to stop the harassment.
Quizon, also a student of the PCU, called on the PCU adminstration to "investigate and strenghten the security of progressive student groups in the campus, while upholding their right to association, freedom of expression and movement without fear of harrassment". ###
Reference: Biyaya G. Quizon, SCMP Chairperson
TANGGULAN Youth Convenor
09289526973
Biyaya Quizon, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines chairperson and TANGGULAN Convenor joins Glaiza in a Press Conference held today at the PCU grounds. Quizon demands that the military stop its harassment of student leaders and called on the government to stop its counter-insurgency operations in the campuses in Metro Manila and nationwide.
"The government is undoubtedly wary of the opening of classes and harassment of student activists is part of its preparation to avert the protests and student mobilizations in the coming months towards the State of the Nation Address of Arroyo in July," Biyaya said.
Dimapilis and her friends reported to TANGGULAN Friday, that she is being stalked by a military intelligence agent of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAPF) for two consecutive days since May 7, 2008.
Worried of her safety, Dimapili's parents moved her from their house to a relative's house on May 9, after the same intelligence agent came to their house located in Barangay Villamor near the Villamor Airbase, and convinced them to "turn over" their daughter to Camp Crame.
"Order of Battle"
Glaiza said that she was present when the ISAFP agent, who identified himself as Mike Santos, said that Glaiza is a known figure in PCU and included in "Order of Battle" of the ISAFP in the National Capital Region. Glaiza added that the ISAFP agent even told her parents that there is a "plan" to abduct her so she is being warned to stop her activities.
"In the line of his speaking, he wants my parents to believe that my involvement as a student leader in PCU is a trouble. He added that I am being used as a front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF) and that is why I should go to Camp Crame."
Glaiza is a member of the Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB) of the Jesus is Lord Church, an officer of the student council of PCU since 2006 and its current President. During her term in the council, she has been vocal against the deployment and incursion of the military in the campuses in Metro Manila and became the spokesperson of the U WATCH!, a network of youth groups formed last year opposing urban and campus militarization.
Real Threat
Her parents went to the PCU Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) on May 9 and sought the university's help regarding the threats, while Glaiza stayed in her relative's house. They complained that Glaiza is fearful of the "stalker" who follows her from their house to the PCU gates and knew her exact class schedules.
The OSA offered a certain Maj. Fernandez of the ISAFP which the OSA said could help Glaiza's security problems. The OSA arranged the meeting of the parents and certain Maj. Fernandez. Maj. Fernandez went to the Dimapilis residence at Barangay Villamor late afternoon of May 9.
During the meeting of her parents with Maj. Fernandez, Leonisa Dimapilis, Glaiza's mother texted Glaiza not to go out from their relative's house because she said there are many men "posted outside". She was referring to the companions of Maj. Fernandez who stayed outside of their house and other suspicious-looking men nearby and observing.
Glaiza's mother also informed her that Ma. Fernandez also confirmed that Glaiza is in the OB (order of battle) of the military and been convincing them to accompany her to the Camp Crame and "cooperate".
Fearing any eventuality, this prompted Glaiza to ask for a "rescue team" who can pull-her out of Barangay Villamor, where she felt she is not "secure" about her movement and freedom.
Rescued
At around 9 p.m. yesterday, Glaiza was taken out of Barangay Villamor, Villamor Airbase by her friends, colleagues in the student council, and TANGGULAN in coordination with the PCU administration and some churches. She is temporarily under the custody of a church.
In a phone conversation around 10:30 in the evening, Glaiza's mother said that Maj. Fernandez' visit was not to give protection but rather convinced them to sway Glaiza to go to Camp Crame, give her information on other youth activist groups listed in the OB and be a "tracer" for them. She further said that, Fernandez said Glaiza is involved in "front organizations" of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Dimapilis went emotional as she recounted her ordeal during the past days. She urged her parents not to be threatened by the ISAFP and pleaded for support in her plan to file a writ of amparo to stop the harassment.
Quizon, also a student of the PCU, called on the PCU adminstration to "investigate and strenghten the security of progressive student groups in the campus, while upholding their right to association, freedom of expression and movement without fear of harrassment". ###
Reference: Biyaya G. Quizon, SCMP Chairperson
TANGGULAN Youth Convenor
09289526973
Friday, May 9, 2008
Beh ….buti nga!$$@&&*^%^$^%
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Napanood ko kanina ang mga pangyayaring ito. Magsilbi sana itong tanda sa mga gabinete at pati narin kay Gloria na isinusuka na sya ng mga kabataan at sambayanan.
Tumitindi na ang krisis ng lipunang ito.Hindi na mapigilan ang pagdausdos ng ating mga kabuhayan at pagsirit naman ng mga presyo ng mga bilihin.protesta ang sagot ng mamamayan habang hagupit naman ng teroristang atake ng rehimeng US-Arroyo.
Tumatagos saan man ang krisis at pati sa mga institusyon pang akademiko ay nagiging larangan ng tungalian ng propaganda at pulitika. Kata-takang mga opisyales ng pekeng pangulong ito ang tumutungo sa mga eskwelahan at mga kumunidad.
Sinong nagsisinungaling?
Katakutakot ang mga ginagawang kontra-propaganda ni Gloria laban sa mga kumakalaban sa kanya.Bulto-bultong mga pondong di mawari kung saan nag mumula ang isinusustento ng unano.Habang binubulag naman ng mga komersyal sa telebisyon ang isipan ng mga mahihirap na umuunlad na ang pilipinas.Ngayon ko napatunayang makakapal talaga ang mga mukha ng mga gagong ito.
May mga mukha pang naihaharap sa mga mamamayan.Samantalang,katakotakot ang pagdarahop ng mga manggagawa sa kanilang mga sahod,ni mga magsasaka hindi na makakain ng sarili nilang mga pananim.ang mga MMDA na mistulang mga salot na walang ginawa kundi magdemolish ng mga “masama sa kanilang paningin”sa ngalan ng Urbanidad kuno.
Nagbibigay pugay ako sa mga kabataang patuloy na nangangahas na makibaka.
Darating ang panahon naniningil tayo at lilipulin natin ang mga katulad nila.
Nasa atin ang katwiran,nasa atin ang pagkakaisa...atin ang tagumpay!###
Friday, May 2, 2008
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