Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM)

Ka Bel's freedom regained at last!

2007-06-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Comrades, friends and allies,

Great news! Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran will very soon walk free from unjust detention! Various people's organizations immediately gathered and rejoiced this afternoon over the Supreme Court's decision to junk the trumped up rebellion cases against Ka Bel, the Batasan 5 and other progressive leaders. (Along with a couple of articles below are our wholehearted thanks for your solidarity.)

We owe this not to the Supreme Court but to the local and international mass movement that caught the world's attention and created overwhelming international pressure on the Philippine government to free Ka Bel. We thank the hundreds of organizations in at least 33 countries that have thrown their support for Ka Bel in various ways - solidarity messages to Ka Bel, protest letters to the government, picket protests in Philippine embassies, fact-finding missions and solidarity visits - all these have sustained and even heightened Ka Bel's morale all throughout his 15 years of incarceration.

But the fight for freedom and justice isn't over yet - the real criminals must be made pay for the 15 months of injustice on Ka Bel and the toiling masses that he represents; for arresting Rep. Ka Satur Ocampo, and attempting to arrest Representatives Ka Paeng Mariano, Liza Maza, Teddy Casino, Joel Virador and several other leaders of the progressive people's movement; for the continuing political repression and extra-judicial killings that had claimed lives of hundreds of labor and peasant activists and human rights fighters. Also, we must ensure that comrade Dennis Maga, spokesperson for the Free Ka Bel Movement, is not arrested or worse when he returns home to the Philippines after exposing Pres. Arroyo's human rights violations in New Zealand.

Let us press the Philippine government to immediately, without any delay, implement the Supreme Court Order to Free Ka Bel. Let us continue calling on Pres. Arroyo to Stop Political Persecution, Harrasment and Extra-Judicial Killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.

This week, Pres. Arroyo's three consecutive state visits in Japan, New Zealand and Australia were all hounded by protests. We ask you to encourage your allies, friends and comrades in Italy, Germany, Portugal and China, where Mrs. Arroyo will next set foot on, to echo our calls for freedom and justice. On June 03, Pres. Arroyo will be in Rome, Italy for the canonization of the Blessed Marie Eugenie, from which she will fly to Lisbon, Germany to meet with Pres. Anibal Cavaco Silva, as well as to visit the Shrine of the Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima. She will then proceed to Portugal to meet with the Filipino community, and later will head for China.

Through our solidarity, we regained Ka Bel's freedom.
Through our solidarity, we will find freedom and justice for all the oppressed.
LONG LIVE INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY!

Matt McCarthen: Faith meeting hides hypocrisy of controversial participant

2007-06-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

5:00AM Sunday June 03, 2007

By Matt McCarten

Over the past week, two visitors from the Philippines have been guests in New Zealand. One of them, Philippines President Gloria Arroyo, was welcomed into the country by the Government. The other, Dennis Maga, a leading trade union and human rights activist in the Philippines, was welcomed here by a number of trade unions, including my own, and other progressive groups.

Arroyo was feted at a State luncheon with our prime minister. Her fellow countryman, Maga, spoiled it all by imprisoning himself in a cage on the steps of Parliament. Maga's aim was to draw our attention to the fact that while they were nibbling on New Zealand's finest foods, Arroyo's political opponents who hadn't already been murdered were languishing in prisons without being convicted of any crime.

Helen Clark and Arroyo then popped off to Waitangi to meet other international guests to chat about religious good deeds. The purpose was to discuss how religion could be used for good, rather than as a vehicle for fanatics and opportunists to kill people they didn't like.

Of course, the irony of their guest heading up a murderous regime at the Inter-Faith Dialogue organized by our Government has obviously missed their attention. Since Arroyo came to power six years ago, almost 900 political killings – three a week have taken place, according to reputable human rights groups. This is on top of a similar number who have disappeared or been kidnapped and who are presumed to be dead.

Terrorism's best recruits are from the urban poor in countries like the Philippines. Yet 130 members of a political party that lawfully organises the urban poor to fight for their rights have been murdered.

And it's getting worse. In last month's election alone, 126 people, including candidates and ballot scrutineers, were killed. One political leader was abducted, and another narrowly escaped a similar fate. Ballot scrutineers claim thousands of votes for opposition parties were discarded, and in numerous cases they were forced to register non-existent votes for candidates allied with Arroyo.

Maybe someone could have pointed out at the Inter-Faith Dialogue that the number of victims in one of the guest's countries far surpassed the region's casualties from terrorism. Maybe a little less prayer and more soul-searching might have been a better use of time.

I suppose it's easier for our Government and media to focus on the antics of protesters outside the Waitangi Marae than to expose Arroyo or the hypocrisy of hosting her. There is no doubt in my mind that if Jesus were alive today, he'd be with the protesters outside the marae, and I mean the real protest with Maga, not the grandstanding by Destiny's Brian Tamaki that the media focused on.

We stoop low when we take the antics of an ambitious fundamentalist politician seriously when he claims we must be run as a Christian country. Christian fundamentalists don't seem to get the irony that while they're berating New Zealand for not being a Christian state, they're attacking as backward Islamic countries.

It's the warped thinking of these Christian that gets us into quagmires like Iraq. The real danger is not secularism. It's fundamentalists like Tamaki, who lead us all into extremism. If there is a God, it would be interesting to hear Him giving the bishop a good telling off when he dies for his Unchristian behaviour. It'd be almost as much fun as the telling off that our other fundamentalist wannabee politician, pastor Graham Capill, will be getting.

Even Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who was present at the meeting, confused Tamaki's silliness with the real issue that Maga and his supporters were making. Peters claimed that the protesters were being disrespectful to the marae and the local people. But local Maori spokesman Arthur Harawira quite rightly said it was the Government who was disrespectful to local Maori by bringing in someone whose regime was murdering its own people.

Despite the wringing of hands of the dialogue participants, it's not religion that is the cause of terrorism. It's the rise of unearned privilege by the rich and powerful at the expense of ordinary people. When the rich and powerful suppress their people and kill their leaders, then some people abandon legitimate political activity and turn to extremism.

Dennis Maga is not a terrorist or an extremist. He was invited to New Zealand to tell us the truth about Arroyo and her regime. But by bearing peaceful witness to the murderous regime in the Philippines, he has now been marked for death by embarrassed leaders in his country. His trade union in the Philippines learnt this week that he will be arrested and imprisoned when he returns. Another reliable source says he will be murdered. These aren't idle threats. One of my staff was in the Philippines for a week this year, and in that time, three trade union activists were murdered, apparently by state forces. Maga's family and supporters have begged him not to return until he has an assurance from Arroyo and her government that this won't happen.

The attendees of the Inter-Faith Dialogue and our Government must ask Arroyo to promise them that no harm will come to Maga. If she doesn't, he mustn't leave New Zealand. If something does happen to him, all attendees of the Inter-Faith Dialogue will be associates of a known terrorist.

Wellington Protest

2007-06-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

NZ to help on Philippines human rights

Page 1 of 2 5:00AM Tuesday May 29, 2007

Philippines President Gloria Arroyo is a little off target with her hongi with Warrant Officer Doug Wallace in Wellington yesterday.

New Zealand will help the Philippines improve its poor human rights record, following a wave of extra-judicial killings and questionable political detentions in that country.

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced the help - as well as police and environment agreements - during a state-visit by Philippines President Gloria Arroyo.

But while the two leaders were giving a joint Beehive press conference, Filipino unionist Dennis Maga stood outside in a cage to protest the execution-style killing of an estimated 800 left-wing activists and journalists since 2001.

Mr Maga also called for the release of prominent left-wing lawmaker Crispin Beltran who has been in custody on what his supporters say are spurious coup-plotting charges for over a year.

Inside, Helen Clark refused to condemn Mrs Arroyo's record, but said the Government was committed to providing help.

Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan had spoken with her Philippines counterpart and the pair were looking at what form help could take.

An initial area of co-operation was likely to be support for human-rights based training for the Philippines police and military.

Several independent watchdogs, including United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston have blamed the police and military as the most likely culprits for the killings.

Mrs Arroyo yesterday acknowledged her country had a problem with political killings, but said it was fighting to improve its record.

It had set up a commission with special courts to look into the killings, had allocated more money for investigators and was introducing new laws to protect witnesses.

There had already been arrests relating to the slayings, and some trials of soldiers.

"We are in a fight to turn around our history of political violence and retribution.

"Like our economic turnaround, we are slowly, surely, and steadily breaking down the cycle of violence."

She welcomed New Zealand's offer of help.

She said in the case of Mr Beltran, due process was being followed. But Mr Maga disagreed, highlighting the Inter-Parliamentary Union's criticism of his continuing detention.

In relation to the killings, Mr Maga said the Government had not gone far enough and the killings had not stopped.

Mrs Arroyo's regime was the worst in his country's history, with the political death toll - about 130 a year - worse than the 100 a year that had been killed under dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s, he said.

Mr Maga, brought out to New Zealand by the National Distribution Union, will take his protest to the Regional Interfaith Dialogue today, which both leaders will attend.

Ka Bel Files Candidacy as ANAKPAWIS No.1 Nominee

2007-03-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ka Bel Files Candidacy as ANAKPAWIS No.1 Nominee
Supporters rally for Ka Bel’s freedom; demand Comelec to enforce election rules banning military campaign against progressives

PRESS RELEASE
March 12, 2007

The family and supporters of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran led by the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) will troop to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) today to join the detained lawmaker’s formal filing of candidacy as ANAKPAWIS Party List’s number one nominee.

According to Dennis Maga, FKBM Spokesperson, “The case of Ka Bel is an outstanding case of political repression under the Arroyo watch. We denounce the agents of the Arroyo government who now threaten to arrest Ka Satur Ocampo on fabricated murder charges just as they arrested Ka Bel on rebellion charge using fabricated evidence.

Maga, himself a victim of warrantless arrest during a rally demanding Ka Bel’s freedom on February 27, 2006, added, “We continue to demand Ka Bel’s freedom and we demand immediate arrest of all government agents involved in the unjustified arrests, abduction, killings and all forms of attacks against Arroyo’s critics. We also challenge the COMELEC to enforce election rules banning military campaign against progressive candidates. Urban and rural communities must be cleared of military troops who threaten the people not to vote for ANAKPAWIS and other progressive party-list groups.”

At the same time, Maga expressed concern on the fire incident at the COMELEC building, noting that the burning of records could be part of deliberate moves to bury the issues of fraud and corruption in the 2004 elections.

Citing the latest SWS survey showing the lead of Bayan Muna, Anakpawis and Gabriela, Maga concluded, “We are confident that despite the government’s dirty tricks and vicious attacks, more and more Filipinos will vote for ANAKPAWIS Party List with Ka Bel as no. 1 nominee because the public can see the grand deception, fraud and violence orchestrated by the military and various agencies under Malacañang.”

International Supports Condemned The 1 Year Incarceration of Ka Bel

2007-02-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

Duesseldorf 23rd February 2007

Report of the German Filipino Friends (GFF) on its Protest rally on 23rd February 2007

Freedom for Crispin Beltran and the militant opposition in the Philippines

With this challenge the GFF together with representatives of the Turkish organisation ATIK and others a first respectable protest action was started in front of the Philippine Consulate in Bonn. Folks passing by reacted mostly very positive and supportive in the nearby freewalking zone after initially being totally unaware of these 800 victims from the opposition in the Philippines and the rather arbitrary imprisonment of Crispin Beltran over a whole year. Many said: "Of course our government cooperates with the Philippine government and does not publicize anything about the repression there." We were even short of information material for distribution. Some 76 persons signed our protest note: We protest over the politically motivated killings and challenge the German Federal government to break of all relations with the Philippine government for the time being.

Delegates from GFF, ATIK, from the trade union of the public sector VER.DI and the MLPD addressed the audience before personly handing over to tho Philipine Consul Mr Auxilian a protest note signed by thirteen organisations. He had sent one of his aids to us protesting in front of his window, inviting us into the embassy for the handover. We appreciate this invitation, as the Philippine Embassy in Berlin had not been prepared to receive delegates fromVER.DI delivering a protest resolution despite having been asked to do so by fax, mail and telephone.

Mr Auxilian stressed that his government has installed some commission to investigate these cases.

GFF received a similiar information on 22nd February from the Philippine Embassy in Berlin in answer to our protest letter in November 2006. Mr Auxilian also emphasized that open critic blackens the worldwide image of the Philippine Government. On account of this it would be necessary to deal with this critic and investigate and clarify these cases.

Before leaving the embassy we expressed our wish, that on account of his serious statement, we would hopefully soon hear in the news about Crispin Beltran' release. At the moment the Philippine Government is under pressure as at this weekend the UN embassador in Manila has requested the government to give an answer about these political killings. There will also be protest rallies ofthe trade unions all over the country calling for the release of Crispin Beltran on 26th February. There will beeven such protest actions worldwide an the anniversary of his detention.

Our rally today has been a good beginning. By offering coffeee, Tea and Boerek it was even possible to finance the expenses of our action. Our turkish friends of the New Democratic Youth gave with their live music our action special flair. And the personal letter from Crispin Beltran from prison hospital, sent to us for this special occasion emphasized that:International solidarity worldwide is taking heed!
_______________________________________________________

Philippines Australia Union Link - PAUL
PO Box A671, SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235

Media Release
Monday February 26, 2007

Downer asked to speak out on jailed Filipino parliamentarian Crispin Beltran, workers representative, now detained for one year, Australian trade unionists today called on Philippines consulates and the Embassy in Canberra to demand the immediate release of Crispin Beltran, an elected workers representative to the Philippines House of Representatives. He has been in jail or detained in the Philippines Heart Center for one year today.

"We are taking our protest at 4pm today to the Philippines Consulate in Sydney, to convey our strongest protest at the continued detention of Crispin Beltran on completely trumped charges of rebellion," said Peter Murphy, spokesperson for the Philippines Australia Union Link.
"Crispin Beltran is detained purely to repress and punish the widespread movement in the Philippines against the regime of President Arroyo, which stands charged with a brutal campaign of military death squads against unarmed civilian critics, and for stealing the 2004 presidential elections.

"Crispin Beltran was voted the most popular member of Congress three years in a row, and is a leader of the popular movement calling on Mrs Arroyo to resign, but that is not a crime in any democratic society," said Mr Murphy.

"The Philippines National Police have put forward bogus evidence twice against Mr Beltran to justify their arrest of him without warrant on February 25 last year during a State of National Emergency, and failed in court. So they have fallen back on the charge of 'rebellion', which is a non-bailable 'continuing offence' under Philippines law. This really amounts to a 'thought crime' - that Mr Beltran thinks the government is illegitimate and that the people should call for the President to resign," explained Mr Murphy.

"The International Parliamentary Union, including its Australian Labor and Liberal delegates, has unanimously called twice for the release of Mr Beltran, but so far the Foreign Minister, Mr Downer, has remained silent," said Mr Murphy. "Now that the UN Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings has exposed the massive repression by death squads under Mrs Arroyo's watch, our government must speak out or forever be seen as complicit in another murderous repression in our region, this time in the name of the war on terror," said Mr Murphy. "It should call today for the release of Mr Beltran and an end to the death squads".

Crispin Beltran began his union career in the 1950s in the Yellow Taxi Employees Union, became the leader of the Alliance of National Genuine Labor Organisations (ANGLO) in the 1970s, and the first Secretary General of the May One Labor Movement (KMU) in 1980. Along with over 100 other KMU leaders he was arrested and jailed under the Marcos dictatorship in 1982, but managed to escape in 1984 during a release for a family wedding. He went underground in Central Luzon until the overthrow of the dictator in February 1986, and then became the Chairperson of KMU until his election to the Congress in May 2001. He remains Emeritus Chairperson of the union center. He is now aged 74 and suffers high blood pressure and diabetes and had a mild stroke in 2002 from which he recovered.

For further comment: Peter Murphy 0418 312 301
Philippines Australia Union Link: Australian Council of Trade Unions; Australian Manufacturing Workers Union; National Tertiary Education Union; Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union, Liquor Hospitality & Miscellaneous Union ACT; Independent Education Union NSW; CEPU Telecommunications VIC
_____________________________________________________________________

Dear Ka. Bel,

Warmest greetings from Japan.One year has passed since you were illegally and unjustly arrested and detained by the Arroyo government.

We Allied Labor Unions of Independence (ALUI), together with Japanese militant workers and people, made protest actions and demanded the Philippine government to immediately release Ka. Bel.

Lots of workers and militant unions signed the petition that was handed to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.Now the reality of political killings and role of military and police has become so well known. Mass media here report the issue and even the Japanese government was forced to convey their concern about the human rights abuse for the first time to the Philippine government.

Today we renew our solidarity with Ka. Bel and our determination to get back Ka. Bel to people. We vehemently condemn political killings by the Arroyo government and expand campaign to stop the state terror.Your messages from the hospital detention are always updating and encouraging us. We are determined to advance our labor movement here hand in hand with Filipino workersand toiling masses.

Ka. Bel, please take good care of yourself.

In solidarity,

Keishi Tanaka
Chairperson
Allied Labor Unions of Independence (ALUI)- Japan
_______________________________________________________

Ka Bel - Mabuhay!

Greetings from our family and friends in Whangarei, where youvisited in September 1999. Our thoughts continue to be with you,Kasama! We endorse your courageous stand and ongoing integrity under arrrest, and take inspiration from you.

I personally remember you in the front line of the Rally after theInternational Peoples Tribunal in August 05, in Quezon City, andyour marching strongly then, even though you had not been well earlier. Other friends who have visited you since - like Jane Kelseyand Jo Dereymaeker - confirm your spirit continues to be strong sine then.Power to you, brother.

We have apparently the dubious privilege of Gloria Arroyo visiting Northland, Aotearoa-NZ, in May this year, at the time of theInterfaith Forum, if she dares to leave the Philippines by then! Isincerely hope you will be long freed by then. In our own way wewill be holding her to account for your unjust imprisonment and her violations of the rights of the peoples of the Philippines - andcalling on our Government to be more forthright about her following'constitutional process,' as she told our Prime Minister earlier.

Kia kaha, kia maia - Be strong, be steadfast!

Tuloy ang laban!

Mabuhay, Ka Bel!

Tim Howard and Carol Peters
Whangarei

Rep. Beltran's wife asks United Nations through Special Rapporteur Philip Alston to give attention to husband's case

2007-02-19T19:56:00.000-08:00

Anakpawis Representative and political detainee Crispin Beltran's wife and partner for the last 50 years Mrs. Rosario Soto-Beltran today attended the hearing of the House Committee on Human Rights regarding the relentless series of extrajudicial killings. United Nations Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Philip Alston was in attendance, and Mrs. Beltran sought to speak to the said UN official regarding the continuing detention of her husband.

Rep. Beltran has been incarcerated on charges of inciting to sedition and rebellion since February 25, 2006 when the Macapagal-Arroyo administration declared a state of emergency. Rep. Beltran has been accused of colluding with elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to remove Macapagal-Arroyo from office.

"We continue to do everything we can to press for Ka Bel's release, and I am prepared to speak to anyone who will listen and help. It's been a year since Ka Bel has been arrested, and it's most unjust because the testimonies of supposed witnesses against him are all false. The witnesses are lying, the timeline connecting Ka Bel to the military uprising is incorrect, and Ka Bel would never resort to colluding with the military," she said.

The Beltran family has already given Alston a briefing paper on Ka Bel's arrest as well as a personal letter from Ka Bel asking the United Nations through Alston to give attention to his case. Beltran is a victim of unjust and arbitrary detention, and his continuing detention on made-up charges is a inconvertible truth that there is worsening political repression in the Philippines.
"Sana bigyang pansin ni Mr. Alston ang kaso ng asawa ko. Alam ko na wala siyang magagawa para direktang palayain si Ka Bel, pero sana mapaabot niya sa UN ang nangyayaring pampulitikang panggigpit dito sa Pilipinas. Isang taon nang nakakulong si Ka Bel, at hindi umuusad ang mga hearing sa kanyang kaso. Lumalala na rin ang kalusugan niya," Mrs. Beltran said.

Mrs. Beltran also slammed the House of Representatives, specifically Speaker Jose de Venecia and Majority Leader Prospero Nograles.

"Walang ginawa ang mga opisyales ng Kongreso para protektahan si Ka Bel. Si de Venecia ni minsan ay hindi nagsalita para igiit ang mga karapatan ni Ka Bel bilang isang konggresista. Si Nograles naman, lalo pang idinidiin si Ka Bel at sinasabing mas mabigat ang kaso ni Ka Bel kaya dun sa kongresista ng Laguna nanahulihan ng bala at baril sa kanyang bag. Alam nilang inosente si Ka Bel sa mga akusasyon laban sa kanya; at bilang congressman may mga karapatan sa immunity si Ka Bel pero sina de Venecia at Nograles walang ginawa at talagang nilaglag si Ka Bel," she said.

Mrs. Beltran was referring to Rep. Danton Bueser.
Mrs. Beltran said that de Venecia should have stood up to defend Ka Bel and insist on his parliamentary immunity, "But what he did was let the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police to continue their persecution and prosecution of Ka Bel. We will not forget de Venecia's deafening silence on this issue of Ka Bel's illegal arrest and continuing incarceration. Utos talaga ng Malacanang kina de Venecia nah wag tulungan si Ka Bel at hayaan siyang makulong kahit wala siyang kasalanan," she said.

Rep. Beltran's wife furthermore accused Speaker de Venecia of remaining deaf to the constant and consistent calls from other lawmakers that the House leadership take Ka Bel under protective custody and give him sanctuary.

"Through his silence and inaction, he allowed the DOJ and the PNP to arrest, detain and charge Ka Bel despite the fact that congress was in session at the time of the arrest, and that the testimonies are false and fabricated," she concluded.#

Wage, Civil Liberties and Freedom

2007-02-07T01:48:00.000-08:00

Early this year, workers awaited the passage of bill seeking P125 legislated across the board wage hike in Senate. But now, the prospects for economic relief for workers are not getting well after the treacherous motion for reversal led by the House majority through Rep. Crispin 'Boying' Remulla.

We of the FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT (FKBM) are outraged that the wage hike bill authored by Anakpawis Rep. Cripin Beltran detained has been frozen again. We are also concerned that the Senate is now reportedly on the third reading of a dangerous bill that has grave implications on human rights.

Civil liberties, specifically workers' rights to form unions, wage, strikes and join militant rallies, will be further curtailed in the face of impending passage of the anti-terror bill principally authoredby Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile. Given the escalating rate of political killings and persecution under the Arroyo watch, we are particularly concerned that illegal arrests and detention such as the case of KaBel will be even more brazen and widespread.

For almost a year now since the wave of illegal arrests under Arroyo's Proclamation 1017, Ka Bel has been detained on trumped up charges of inciting to sedition and rebellion. We certainly do not need a terrorbill that will further prolong his detention and victimize other political activists who may fall under the definition of being'terrorists' mainly because of their prominence in militant rallies advocating the impeachment and/or ouster of the fraudulent president.

FKBM demands the immediate and unconditional freedom of Ka Bel. TheArroyo government repeatedly betrays workers' interests as it blocks the passage of the wage hike bill and prolongs the unjust detention of Ka Bel. We ask the Senate to vote down the terror bill that aims to terrorize the people and suppress political dissent. We also challenge candidates vying for seats in Congress and Senate to push for a legislated wage increase both in Congress and Senate to prove that they are worthy of the workers' support. #

Dennis Maga
Spokesperson of Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) and
Secretary-General of Alliance of Nationalist and Genuine LaborOrganizations (ANGLO) -KMU

DETAINED SOLON AND A VETERAN LABOR LEADER TURNS 74

2007-01-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

The Free Ka Bel Movement, Anakpawis Party-list and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) held a 'birthday picket' last January 7, 2007 in honor of Anakpawis Representative and political detainee Crispin Beltran in front of the Philippine Heart Center where Beltran remains under incarceration after almost 11 months on the charges of rebellion and sedition. Beltran celebrates his 74 th birthday today, and 50 of these 74 years he spent being a respected labor leader and beginning 2001, a progressive people's law maker.

FKBM, Anakpawis and KMU members and leaders and other supporters held their 'birthday picket' in front of the PHC because they were not allowed inside the building. They came bearing balloons, birthday cards, and a cake decorated with a sign for a P125 across-the board nationwide wage increase. Beltran is one of the main authors of the legislated wage hike bill in the House of Representatives passed last December prior to the Christmas break. A similar bill is being deliberated upon in the Senate under the Sen. Jinggoy Estrada's Committee on Labor.

"We are most grateful to Ka Bel for all that he has done to serve and protect the interest of workers and the rest of the working people," they said. He is a true servant of the poor and exploited. He should be released immediately."

FKBM spokesperson Dennis Maga said that it was an outrage that a convicted rapist such as US Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith has been essentially freed from jail while Rep. Beltran, a renowned labor leader, internationalist, and patriotic congressman, remains incarcerated.

"Where is the justice in this? Ka Bel has been incarcerated for almost 11 months, and it's appalling that he has had celebrated the holidays in detention and under the close watch of government security men. He is now 74 and the greater part of his past year he spent under arrest. He should be released immediately. We won't have him spend another year of his life under detention. The charges against him are all false and fabricated," he said.

At the age of 74, Ka Bel has gone through a lot of challenges in his entire life as a labor leader, a former political detainee under the Marcos dictatorship, and as a people's lawmaker in an institution dominated by business and elitist political interests. The Macapagal-Arroyo administration continues to incarcerate Ka Bel despite of the firm knowledge that he is innocent of the charges against him and that he is being used by the Macapagal-Arroyo administration as a mascot-deterrent against those who dare to oppose the government are taking a toll on him," he said.

Initially, the PNP requested for a court order that Ka Bel be transferred to the Makati City Jail. In a letter dated October 23, 2006, PSupt. Dexter G. Rellora, chief of the PNP Custodial Center requested the issuance of a Commitment Order from RTC Branch 150 for Ka Bel's transfer to the Makati City Jail.

Rep. Beltran has been recommended to undergo the following tests on a regular basis as part of his health monitoring: complete blood count, blood chemistry (including lipid profile), urinalysis, electrocardiography , chest x-ray, 2D Echodoppler, carotid duplex scan, and possible stress thallium; and treatment for hypertensive cardiovascular disease. "Given the overall health condition of Congressman Beltran which is the primary concern of the court, it is imperative that his attending physicians be required to submit their report," according to the Makati RTC 150.

Dr. Reginald Pamugas, MD, Health Action for Human Rights, one of the doctors attending to Ka Bel said that to transfer Ka Bel to Camp Crame would be to sign his death certificate. "If the Courts are really concerned about Ka Bel's health, then should release him at once. It's the stress of being illegally incarcerated that's taking a toll on his health and causing it to deteoriorate, " Dr. Pamugas said.

Dr. Pamugas said that Ka Bel's vital blood pressure fluctuates with highest at 160/90 and lowest at 110/70. His respiratory and heart rate are within normal range. For the past months there was no record of infection and fever.

Latest laboratory examinations on Complete Blood Count (CBC) which show a slightly decrease or low red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count. Other laboratory examinations like Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Total Cholesterol Level, and Uric Acid were within normal range.

"Cong. Beltran's relatively stable health condition doesn't come so easy, there is the financial burden, maintenance medications and mental stress that sometimes shaking him up. He is taking about 10 assorted medicines in order to keep his health condition in good shape. And lately, he is doing some exercises like skipping rope and push ups. But despite of the incarceration and his relatively stable health conditions, the strong support of mass movement here and abroad makes him stronger to fight the brutal force of Macapagal-Arroyo administration," Maga concluded.#

Ka Bel's fight for P125 Wage Increase

2006-12-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

News Release December 21, 2006

Ka Bel devoted the last five years of his life as a people’s lawmaker to lobby and campaign for the passage of pro-worker, prop-poor bills such as HB 345, the bill legislating a P125 across-the-board wage increase for all workers nationwide

Free Ka Bel Movement Spokesperson Dennis Maga today lauded the passage of HB HB345 in the Lower House, saying that it was good news for all Filipino workers. The bill legislates a P125 across-the-board wage increase nationwide. Members of congress voted on the measure last night, December 20.

“We wish to thank the members of the House who worked hard to lobby and campaign for the passage of the bill. Especially the chairman of the Committee on Labor Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Roseller Barinaga. Rep. Barinaga and Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran have worked long and hard since the 12th Congress to have this bill passed through the Lower House,” he said.

“All the more do we feel Ka Bel’s absence from Congress. It’s been 10 months since he was arrested and charged with crimes he did not commit. He deserves to be free to thank Rep. Barinaga and all other lawmakers who supported HB345 himself. Ka Bel has committed five years of his life as a people’s lawmaker to campaigning for this measure,” Maga said.

“This measure and others like it which aim to give immediate and long-term economic relief to Filipino workers and members of other impoverished sectors are what kept Ka Bel busy all these years. He did not use his time colluding with disgruntled members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines like the Macapagal-Arroyo has falsely charged him. It is not a crime to speak out on behalf of workers and to lobby for measures that will help fight their poverty. Ka Bel should be immediately released,” he said.

In the meantime, Maga said that the bill’s passage was also a victory for all Filipino workers who continually took to the streets to express their support and their demand for a P125 across-the-board wage increase.

“Workers from various unions and even those who did not belong to unions supported this bill and continue to support this bill and press for the legislation of wage increases. Part and parcel of the call for the legislation of wage increases is also the abolition of wage rationalization and the Regional Wage Boards whose only function is to keep wages down all over the country,” he said.

“The campaign will now move on to the Senate where we hope that the senators will not be adverse to the measure and pass it before the 13th Congress ends. Senators should approve the bill and make note of the worsening economic conditions of most Filipino workers and their families. A P125 across-the-board wage increase implemented nationwide will provide immediate economic relief to workers who are greatly saddled by increasing electricity and water rates, as well as prices of basic commodities,” he concluded.

Prof. Jane Kelsey's letter to PM Helen Clark of New Zealand

2006-12-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

20/12/06

Dear Helen,

Subsequent to my faxed letters from Cebu, I had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Crispin 'Ka Bel' Beltran in the hospital where he is detained on several charges of rebellion. Only one of those charges is currently being heard, and that is making no progress because of the non-appearance of prosecution witnesses - a tactic commonly used during the trials I witnessed in the Marcos era.

Of greatest urgency is the desire of the police to return him to the prison. A decision on that application is due this week. There is no doubt that his physical and psychological condition will deteriorate if he is returned to the jail, especially as there currently appears to be no prospect that the government will release him for many years without considerable pressure.

Ka Bel recalled his meeting with you back in 1999 during APEC when you werel eader of the opposition and was intensely grateful for your intervention inthe Philippines last May. When I asked if he had a message for New Zealand, he said:

"I would like to thank Helen Clark, who has been the only Asian leader willing to raise these issues directly with Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. It means a great deal to us. I appeal to Helen Clark to continue these efforts at the ASEAN, and if Arroyo¹s planned visit to New Zealand in May proceeds to urge her to make the Philippines a civilised country, because it is not civilised now".

Concern about the deteriorating human rights situation extends beyond KaBel. As of last week the documented extrajudicial killings in the six years since President Arroyo came to power had reached 799, from all walks of life. I learnt, for example, that a lawyer who had organised our investigation into the vigilante killings in the 1980s was killed in May.

The risks to critics of these violations have intensified given the recent moves to secure a revision of the Philippine Constitution, by passing the Senate and the procedures set down in the 1987 Constitution. The Constitutional Assembly process would have seen the scheduled May election deferred. Now that has been abandoned there are very grave fears that a state of martial law may be declared before May. That would be accompaniedby a large number of arrests of opposition activists in the church, congress, trade unions, media, lawyers, human rights groups and political parties and potentially an upsurge in the extrajudicial killings.

I urge you to respond to the request to meet with a delegation of those whohave been documenting these violations when you attend the rescheduled EastAsean meeting in Cebu in January and if you are in Manila to ask to meet with Ka Bel himself. I would ask that you provide Ms Maria Theresa Nera-Lauron as much advanced notice as possible of the time for such a meeting as people will need to make special arrangements to go to Cebu.

Thank you in anticipation,

Professor Jane Kelsey

Professor Jane Kelsey
School of Law
University of Auckland
NEW ZEALAND
Ph: +64 9 373 7599 x 88006
Fax: +64 9 373 7471
J.kelsey@auckland.ac.nz

Judge Pozon should handle Ka Bel's rebellion case

2006-12-15T02:41:00.000-08:00

News Release December 14, 2006

The spokesperson of the Free Ka Bel Movement Dennis Maga today said that Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Benjamin Pozon should be the one to handle the case of detained solon and veteran labor leader Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran.

"It could well be that if it was Judge Pozon' sala Ka Bel's case landed in, Ka Bel would've been freed long before. Judge Pozon appears like a man of integrity and a genuine sense of justice. Neither is he afraid to stand up against Malacanang in defense of what he believes to be right. Here's a man who has an independent mind, a sense of patriotism, and a working conscience," Maga said.

Maga said that Ka Bel has been detained since February 26, 2006 on impossible-to-prove and substantiate charges of rebellion and collusion with disgruntled members of the military to remove Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from office.

"It's been almost ten months since the arroyo government had Ka Bel arrested, and since then it has failed to prove the charges against him. Hardly surprising since the charges are all fabricated," he said.

"We decry the slowness of the court proceedings and the unfairness of Makati Judge Elmo Alameda. We seek the indulgence of the Supreme Court and approve our petition for certiorari. The Beltran's lawyers are urging the High Court to set aside the Orders dated May 31, 2006 issued by Makati RTC Judge Encarnacion Jaja G. Moya and the Order dated August 29, 2006 issued by Judge Elmo M. Almeda which denies Beltran's Motion for Reconsideration. They also seek the High Court's intervention by having it enjoin respondents Judge Alameda and Sec. Gonzalez, from proceeding with the hearing on the rebellion case.

His lawyers led by Atty. Romeo Capulong said that the Supreme Court is respectfully being petitioned to impose a special civil action for Certiorari and Prohibition under Sections 1 and 2 of Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.

"We seek the SC's support and ask it to order the setting aside and annulment of the May 31, 2006 Order issued by Judge Encarnacion Moya which finds probable cause against Ka Bel for the crime of rebellion; and the setting aside and annulment of the August 29, 2006 order by Judge Alameda, denying Ka Bel's Motion for Reconsideration of the May 31, 2006 order," said Maga.

Sec. Gonzalez is in charge of the prosecution against Rep. Beltran. Judge Moya is the presiding judge of RTC Makati, Branch 146 Judge Alameda is the presiding judge of RTC Makati, Branch 150.

Maga said that as they have been consistently arguing since February when Rep. Beltran was first arrested, there are no records to show that he was 'lawfully arrested.' "Ka Bel was not arrested for rebellion but for the alleged charge of inciting to sedition, in gross violation of his constitutional privilege of immunity from arrest; none of the 'arresting' officers had any 'personal knowledge' of facts indicating that petitioner attended a meeting on February 20, 2006 with 1Lt. San Juan and form a tactical alliance to overthrow the government."#

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister expresses support for Ka Bel's case; says Canadian government involved in keeping Human Rights a priority in the Phi

2006-12-03T01:57:00.000-08:00

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter G, MacKay stated that his government is well aware of the developments in the human rights situation in the Philippines, including the case of detained Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran.

Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) spokesperson Dennis Maga said that the Canadian official sent Anakpawis and FKBM a letter dated September 25, 2006.

"I share your concerns about the uncertain political environment in the Philippines and the arrest of Congressman Beltran as well as others. The Government of Canada, through our Embassy in Manila, is in close and regular contact with many of the organizations that have been targeted in the recent increase in violence against several organizations, including Anakpawis," MacKay say.

The Canadian Foreign Affairs minister said that When Canadian officials meet with their Philippine counterparts, "We urge them to fully respect international human rights commitments such as the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Philippines is a party. Our Embassy also continues to coordinate with a wide variety of partners, including non-governmental organizations,
civil society, other embassies and international organizations, and Philippine human rights officials to improve the situation in the country. The Philippines Justice Reform Initiatives Support Project, Local Government Support Project and McLuhan Prize for Investigative Journalism are only some of the ways in which Canada is involved to keep human rights as priority in the Philippines," he said.

"I can assure you that the Canadian government will continue to monitor human rights in the Philippines and will follow closely the developments of the Beltran case."

Maga said that the FKBM and Anakpawis Party-list continue to receive messages of support for Ka Bel and reassurances that they – foreign officials, church leaders and concerned citizens—are doing their share in campaigning for Ka Bel's release.

"We continue to reach out to as many groups and individuals as possible to unite and rally them behind the cause of Ka Bel's release. It's been nine months, but the Macapagal-Arroyo administration remains stubborn in its refusal to release Ka Bel despite the truth that it doesn't have any real case against him. It's already an international embarrassment that at this day and age when the Philippines is supposedly a country with democratic processes, a well-respected and renowned labor leader and people's legislator such as Ka Bel is being persecuted and made into a political detainee. This all the more focuses the spotlight on the Arroyo government's worsening tendencies of dictatorship," he concluded.#

115th Assembly of the Interparliamentary Union approves resolution calling for Rep.Beltran’s immediate release

2006-10-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran extended his full gratitude to the international delegates and leadership of the 115th Assembly of the Interparliamentary Union (IPU) for unanimously approving the resolution calling for his immediate release. The IPU congress is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, and among the delegates are Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casino. Ocampo and Casino facilitated moves to circulate the resolution calling on the Macacpagal-Arroyo government to immediately release Beltran and the resolution garnered the support of the IPU delegates.

The IPU said it “Remains deeply concerned at the continuing detention of Mr. Beltran, which it fears is arbitrary; and calls once again on the authorities to release him forthwith or at the very least to transfer him to the custody of the House of Representatives.”

It also said it was “puzzled at the notion of a continuing crime, which entails serious consequences such as arrest without warrant.” The continuing crime doctrine is being invoked by the Philippine National Police and Department of Justice to justify the seven-month detention of Rep. Beltran.

“It feels most assuring and heartwarming to know that I have the support not only of my colleagues in the legislative houses here in the Philippines, but also the support of colleagues and fellow progressive lawmakers in other countries. Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should realize that the campaign of political repression she launched against progressive lawmakers such as myself and other leaders of the opposition do not go unnoticed. The more she stubbornly insists on keeping me under illegal detention and under fabricated charges, the greater the pressure will be on her to resign: the international community has given its attention to what is happening in the Philippines, and they more than understand the demand for her to step down,” he said.

Beltran also thanked Reps. Ocampo and Casino for bringing the issue of his incarceration to the IPU.

The veteran labor leader turned activist legislator also said that for the meantime, he is seeking the full support of his colleagues in Congress and call on Speaker Jose de Venecia to allow his transfer from the Philippine Heart Center to the House of Representatives. He said that it was not so much his own physical limitations caused by age that is making his health deteriorate, ‘It’s actually being cooped up in the hospital under 24-7 monitoring of the CIDG and the Department of Justice. The tedium of being detained is what’s making my health condition worse, that and hearing about the continued attacks of the Macapagal-Arroyo government on the political, civil and human rights of the Filipino people,” he said.

Beltran said that he wants to be in Congress before session resumes in November. He said that it’s clear that the govenrment does not having concrete to substantiate its charges of rebellion against him, and that it’s only keeping him detained out of pique and refusal to admit that it was illegal to arrest him in the first place.

“The government has no case against me. I should be released at the soonest possible time; and I expect this government to stop fabricating more accusations and allegations against me and allow me to do my job as a legislator of the poor and marginalized sectors,” he concluded.#

*Swiss parliamentarians question Beltran's imprisonment

2006-07-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

Swiss parliamentarians have asked the Federal Council to consider diplomatic action towards the Arroyo administration's continuing imprisonment of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Representative Crispin Beltran.

Swiss MP Liliane Maury Pasquier, in her June 22, 2006 interpellation ('Serious Attacks on Democracy in the Philippines') has expressed concern over Beltran's plight, stressing that the 73-year old solon's arrest "clearly violates the International Convention on the Civil laws and Political and the Declaration of the Human rights of the United Nations ".
She also requested the Federal Council to take "diplomatic action" on the issue of Beltran's release.

"Doesn't the Federal Council think one diplomatic action, which could take the form of a request for release, is absolutely necessary vis-a-vis this violent infringement of the principles of democratic and human rights?" Maury Pasquer said in the excerpt of the interpellation sent to Cong. Beltran's office (text roughly translated into English from French).

"Doesn't it think that a democratic State like Switzerland would have, of agreement with the other countries and within the international organizations like the very new Council of the human rights, to engage so that the situation of the deputy Crispin Beltran improves as fast as possible and so that Philippines respects the democratic rights of their members of Parliament in particular and of the population in general?" Maury Pasquer continued.

"As a State defender of the human rights and democratic system, Switzerland must really engage these causes. If many members of Parliament of the whole world expressed their concern by letters addressed to the Filipino government, an official reaction of one or several States is necessary to show that this established fact is unacceptable," she concluded. Maury Pasquier also filed a resolution raising the issue of human rights in the Philippines at the Swiss Parliament signed by 24 other MPs. It is still pending before the Federal Council. Those who signed the resolution are Didier Berberat, Free Cavalli, Andre Daguet, Marlyse Dormond Béguelin , Jacqueline Fehr, Valerie Garbani, Vreni Hubmann, Francine John-Calame, Margret Kiener Nellen, Ueli Leuenberger, Susanne Leutenegger Oberholzer, Anne-Catherine Menétrey-Savary, Roger Nordmann, Fabio Pedrina, Rey Jean-Christmas, Stephan Rossini, Maria Roth-Bernasconi, Pierre Salvi, Geraldine Savary, Carlo Sommaruga, Pierre Vanek, Ruth-Gaby Vermot-Mangold, Hans Widmer, and Ursula Wyss.###

*Cong. Crispin Beltran is confined under police custody at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. Today is the 131st day of his arbitrary detention by the Arroyo administration.

---------------------------------------------------
InterpellationTexte déposé

Aux Philippines, le député du parti d'opposition « Anakpawis », Crispin Beltran, âgé de 73 ans, a été arrêté le 25 février 2006. Il est emprisonné depuis à cause de ses idées politiques. Inquiète de cette situation qui met en danger la démocratie, je prie le Conseil Fédéral de répondre aux questions suivantes :

- Le Conseil Fédéral ne pense-t-il pas qu'une action diplomatique, qui pourrait prendre la forme d'une demande de libération, est absolument nécessaire face à cette atteinte violente aux principes démocratique et aux droits humains ?

- Ne pense-t-il pas qu'un État démocratique comme la Suisse devrait, d'entente avec les autres pays et au sein des organisations internationales comme le tout nouveau Conseil des droits de l'homme, s'engager pour que la situation du député Crispin Beltran s'améliore au plus vite et pour que les Philippines respectent les droits démocratiques de leurs parlementaires en particulier et de la population en général ?

Développement
L'arrestation de M. Beltran est officiellement basée sur un mandat d'arrêt vieux de 21 ans et qui date donc de l'ère Marcos. Son cas a pourtant été réglé par une amnistie en 1988 par le président Aquino, car le mandat d'arrêt était uniquement motivé par des raisons politiques de lutte contre des dissidents. Face à la faiblesse de ses arguments, le gouvernement philippin a maintenant ajouté des accusations qui se basent sur des preuves incertaines et juridiquement contestables. Ainsi, il semble que M. Beltran n'a pas de chance d'être libéré prochainement.
Pourtant, M. Beltran n'a jamais appelé à des actes violents contre la présidente Arroyo, mais a seulement demandé la démission de cette dernière pour les fraudes commises pendant les élections 2004 et les violations massives des droits humains.

L'arrestation de M. Beltran viole clairement la Convention Internationale sur les Droits Civils et Politiques et la Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme des Nations Unies. Lui-même s'est d'ailleurs plaint auprès du groupe de travail onusien qui s'occupe de la détention arbitraire à New York et auprès de l'Union Interparlementaire à Genève.

La détention de M. Beltran s'inscrit dans le cadre d'autres mesures contraires aux droits démocratiques : mise en résidence surveillée d'autres parlementaires de partis d'opposition, menaces répétées envers les politiciennes et politiciens de ces partis sans même parler d'assassinats de membres de ces partis.

En tant qu'État défenseur des droits humains et du système démocratique, la Suisse doit s'engager réellement pour ces causes. Si de nombreux parlementaires du monde entier ont exprimé leurs préoccupations par des lettres adressées au gouvernement philippin, une réaction officielle d'un ou de plusieurs États est nécessaire pour démontrer que cet état de faits est inacceptable. Dans cette affaire, le régime philippin n'attaque pas seulement les libertés civiles et les droits humains mais en plus les principes de la démocratie représentative. Il empêche de travailler des parlementaires légalement élus par le peuple philippin et qui doivent pouvoir le représenter. Cela est d'autant plus frappant que les politiciennes et politiciens concernés s'engagent pour la défense des minorités, qui sont d'ores et déjà menacées par le régime actuel.
(Rough translation from French to English)

In Philippines, the deputy of the party of opposition "Anakpawis", Crispin Beltran, 73 years old, was stopped on February 25, 2006. He is imprisoned since because of his political ideas. Anxious of this situation which endangers the democracy, I request the Federal Council to answer the following questions:

- Doesn't the Federal Council think one diplomatic action, which could take the form of a request for release, is absolutely necessary vis-a-vis this violent infringement of the principles of democratic and the human rights?

- Doesn't it think that a democratic State like Switzerland would have, of agreement with the other countries and within the international organizations like the very new Council of the human rights, to engage so that the situation of the deputy Crispin Beltran improves as fast as possible and so that Philippines respects the democratic rights of their members of Parliament in particular and of the population in general?

Development
The arrest of Mr. Beltran is officially based on 21 years an old warrant for arrest and which thus dates from the Marcos era. Its case was however regulated by an amnesty in 1988 by president Aquino, because the warrant for arrest was only justified by political reasons of fight counters dissidents. Vis-a-vis the weakness of its arguments, the Filipino government now added charges which are based on dubious and juridically contestable evidence. Thus, it seems that Mr. Beltran does not have a chance to be released soon.

However, Mr. Beltran destined forever for acts violent one against the president Arroyo, but asked only for the resignation of the latter for the fraud during the elections 2004 and the massive violations of human rights. The arrest of Mr. Beltran clearly violates the International Convention on the Civil laws and Political and the Declaration of the Human rights of the United Nations. Itself complained besides near the U.N. working group which deals with arbitrary detention in New York and near the Interparliamentary Union in Geneva.

The detention of Mr. Beltran lies within the scope of other contrary measurements to the democratic rights: setting under house arrest of other members of Parliament of parties of opposition, threats repeated towards the politicking ones and politicians of these parties without same speech of assassinations of members of these parties.

As a State defender of the human rights and democratic system, Switzerland must really engage these causes. If many members of Parliament of the whole world expressed their concern by letters addressed to the Filipino government, an official reaction of one or several States is necessary to show that this established fact is unacceptable. In this business, the Filipino mode does not tackle only civil freedoms and the human rights but in more the principles of the representative democracy. It prevents from working of the members of Parliament legally elected by the Filipino people and who must be able to represent it. That is all the more striking that the politicking ones and politicians concerned engage for defense of the minorities, which are threatened right now by the current mode.

*Judge Moya adhering to DOJ, Gonzales’ pressuring on Beltran’s case

2006-06-01T03:44:00.000-07:00

The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today condemned Judge Encarnacion Jaja Moya for issuing a court order finding probable cause to the rebellion charges filed against KMU Chairman Emeritus and Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran.

“With the issuance of this order, we now have valid reasons to believe that Judge Moya is a Raul Gonzales' dummy at the Makati Regional Trial Court,” said KMU Secretary General Joel Maglunsod.

Moya earned the ire of workers and Beltran’s supporters after she issued a one-page order yesterday stating that the “Court finds probable reason to believe that Beltran, together with his co-accused Lt. Lawrence San Juan committed the crime charged.”

“The one-page order released does not even contain sufficient basis and explanation for Moya’s order. With the release of this nonsense order, we cannot help but to ask how much did Moya received to issue this order that further implicates Ka Bel to the fabricated rebellion charges filed against him by the government.

“DOJ and Gonzales forced Judge Jenny Lind Delorino to inhibit on Beltran’s case so Moya can take over and implement all of Gonzales’ bidding to further persecute Ka Bel,” the labor leader said.

Maglunsod asked, “Magkano kaya ang ibinayad ng gobyernong Arroyo kay Judge Moya para maging sunud-sunuran sa lahat ng layaw at dikta ng Department of Justice at ni Gonzales.”

“Blind justice persecutes those who are innocent and condones the real criminals and offenders. As far as workers are concerned, Ka Bel is innocent on the rebellion charges filed against him. He is only advocating the cause and interests of workers and takes to heart his duty to serve the Filipino people as a duly elected member of the House of Representatives.”

The labor group staged a support picket for Beltran at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City this morning. Beltran has been held in illegal detention for three months and six days since his illegal arrest last February 25 after Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared Proclamation 1017. ###

*Chronology of Events Related to the Unjustified Arrest and Detention of Rep. Crispin Beltran

2006-05-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

24 February 2006
Ka Bel joins the commemoration of Edsa, People Power 1 together with various groups at the Edsa Shrine. Ka Bel stays with the AP group while Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance) leads the program.

Earlier that day, the Philippines is declared under a State of National Emergency by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after they discover an alleged coup being planned by disgruntled military officials of the Armed Forces of the Philppines. She announces the revocation of all rally permits and orders the dispersal of protest actions commemorating the popular uprising of 1986.

The group led by BAYAN at the Edsa Shrine is violently dispersed by policemen with water cannons, clubs and truncheons. They all leave peacefully and march towards Ayala, Makati through Ortigas Avenye to join other opposition groups holding a separate program.

25 February 2006
While preparing to leave home for a press conference in Quezon City, Beltran, accompanied by his wife Rosario and four other companions aboard their vehicle, is apprehended at around 10:10 a.m. at the gate of San Francisco III Subdivision, Muzon, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan by a fully-armed team of Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) personnel led by Maj. Rino Corpus.

Beltran was “invited” for questioning by the police operatives and was brought to the CIDG office in Camp Crame. At the CIDG, Beltran is shown and served an alias warrant dated 7 October 1985, issued by Judge Edgardo Tutaan of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch LXXXIV, by virtue of a rebellion case filed against him then.

At around 11:00 a.m, Atty. Remigio Saladero visits Beltran and demands his immediate release, on the grounds that the arrest and detention was illegal. Saladero demanded that the matter be elevated to the office of PNP Director-General Arturo C. Lomibao. This request was, however, denied.

At around 5 pm, Beltran’s lawyers write a letter to Gen. Lomibao, stating the circumstances of Beltran’s illegal arrest and demanding his immediate release.

Atty. Saladero is shown a photocopy of the alleged warrant of arrest. He informs Rep. Beltran’s custodians that the case referred to in the warrant was also already dismissed and quashed in 1988, and that Rep. Beltran was already given amnesty under the Aquino administration. Despite this, defense lawyers could not immediately produce the said documents since it was a weekend. Beltran was forced to spend the night inside the CIDG.

Anakpawis sends a letter to the House of Representatives, urging House Speaker Jose de Venecia to intercede in Beltran’s warrantless arrest earlier this morning , citing Beltran’s parliamentary immunity as a member of Congress.

That night, Ka Bel was brought to the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City for another case being filed against him – inciting to sedition, for allegedly speaking during the February 24 Rally mentioned above and for inciting the public to rebel and overthrow the Arroyo government. His cash bond was posted at P12,000.00.

Beltran’s lawyers object to the inquest proceeding and his further detention, invoking Beltran’s constitutional privilege of immunity from arrest for alleged crimes punishable by not more than six years of imprisonment (Section 11, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution), under which the charge of sedition was classified.

Inquest prosecutors from the QC RTC reject this defense of parliamentary immunity and proceed with the inquest, which lasted until 2:00 AM.

Two of his colleagues and staff issued their counter-affidavits stating that this was a big lie. They vouched that Ka Bel remained with them together with the rest of the audience during the entire program and that even when he had to go up the stage, he never held the mike to give a speech.

Inquest Prosecutor Ben V. de la Cruz resolved to file the sedition case, and recommended bail of P12,000.

26 February 2006
Examining physicians Drs. Reginaldo Pamugas and Dr. Melani Hernandez-Siozon examined Cong. Beltran at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police.

Their diagnosis includes findings of moderate Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes Mellitus type 2, T/C Coronary Artery Disease, Cardiomegaly, S/P Cerebrovascular Accident, S/P Thoracen, and T/C Gouty Athritis. Their recommendations include (1) avoiding stressful conditions, (2) a low fat, low salt diet, (3) monitoring and control of blood pressure, (4) laboratory work-up, (5) medications, and (6) further evaluation and management, preferably in a tertiary hospital.

27 February 2006
Beltran’s lawyers proceed to the Docket Section of the Quezon City Court and learn that the sedition case has not been filed yet. They learn shortly after that Inquest Prosecutor de la Cruz reversed his earlier decision, and recommended in an amended resolution the dismissal of the case, subject to the approval of First Assistant Prosecutor Meynardo Baustista or City Prosecutor Claro Arellano.

Beltran’s lawyer UN Ad Litem Judge Romeo Capulong immediately went to the CIDG thinking that Beltran as going to be released that day. However, he learned that Ka Bel was going to undergo another inquest.

In Camp Crame, Beltran, whose health has been deteriorating due to his illegal detention since February 25, was suddenly informed by the CIDG that he would be brought to the PNP General Hospital (GH) for a medical check-up. But instead of being brought to a doctor, Beltran was summoned to the CIDG office for a “re-inquest” by Senior State Prosecutor Emannuel Velasco from the Department of Justice.

Beltran is charged with rebellion in conspiracy with 2nd Lt. Lawrence San Juan, a soldier belonging to the Magdalo group and was involved in the Oakwood coup in 2003. San Juan escaped detention a month ago but was recaptured in Batangas a few weeks after. Acting Deputy Director of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management Police Chief Superintendent Rodolfo B. Mendoza, Jr. transmitted a letter to the Department of Justice through Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito R. Zuno, submitting ‘pertinent records of investigation relative to the case for violation of Article 134 in relation to Article 135 of the Revised Penal Code (Rebellion’Insurrection) against 49 individuals (including Anakpawis Reps. Crispin Beltran and Rafael Mariano), others related to the JASIG’s list, and several other John and Jane Does’ [Criminal Case No. 132943]

This irks Ka Bel and Atty. Capulong, prompting them to walk out from the inquest proceedings. Beltran’s blood pressure shots up to 180/120. Beltran is restrained and detained together with other common criminals at the PNP Custodial Center inside Camp Crame.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives adopts Resolution No. 1169, or Resolution Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to Uphold the Rights of Its Members and Extending Protection to Them.

28 February 2006
The Public Interest Law Center (PILC), through Attys. Romeo T. Capulong, Rachel F. Pastores, and Amylyn B. Sato presents a letter to House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia urging that Cong. Beltran be immediately placed under his protective custody.

As per House Secretary-General Roberto P. Nazareno’s directive dated February 28, Dr. RIzaline Figueroa-Lagman of the House of Representatives Medical-Dental service visit the CIDG to check Cong. Beltran’s medical condition at around 3:00 p.m. Dr. Lagman noted ‘essentially normal physical findings at the time of examination, and controlled state 1 hypertension’.

2 March 2006
Beltran is rushed to the Emergency Room of the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNP-GH) at around 11:30 AM for hypertension, with a blood pressure level of 170/100. He was admitted to the Room 1 of the PNP-GH at 12:15 p.m and has remained there ever since.

4 March 2006
Beltran is charged with another rebellion case, this time linking him with the Communist Party of the Philippines, alleging that he attended a plenum of the CPP from August 1992 to February 1993.

5 March 2006
Family members, colleagues, supporters and friends are blocked from visiting Ka Bel when members of the PNP tried to stop them from trooping to the PNP General Hospital. Police close the gates of Crame for almost two hours to secure the place. No one is arrested.

6 March 2006
The Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause is filed by Beltran’s lawyers and is heard at the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 138 under Judge Sixto Marella, Jr (the case was originally assigned to the MRTC Branch 137 under Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino). Judge Marella orders Beltran’s military custodians to escort him to the hearing tomorrow.

The FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT is launched at the University of the Philippines.

7 March 2006
In his first public appearance at the second hearing held at the MRTC)\ Branch 138 under Judge Marella, Beltran together with his lawyers led by Justice Capulong submit counter-evidence against the two rebellion cases charged against him. Failing to conclusively refute the counter-evidence, Prosecutor Velasco asks for 15 days more for them to present new evidences. He is given seven (7) days by Judge Marella to submit additional evidence against Beltran.

Ka Bel continues to be confined at the PNP General Hospital.

9 March 2006
Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales issues a statement refusing to release Beltran on humanitarian grounds.

10 March 2006
Beltran writes PNP Director-General Arturo Lomibao asking to attend Congress plenary sessions from March 13 to 15, in order to continue fulfilling his duties as Anakpawis congressman.

13 March 2006
The Municipal Trial Court of Quezon City Branch 43 issues a Release Order for Beltran on the grounds that his arrest was illegal, without probable cause, and violative of Beltran’s parliamentary immunity from arrest for cases punishable by six years of imprisonment. The PNP and the DoJ, however, defy the QC MTC Release Order and refuse to release Beltran on the grounds that another rebellion case is still filed against him at the MRTC.

14 March 2006
Beltran writes to PNP Director-General Lomibao demanding his release from PNP custody. The request is denied.

20 March 2006
Despite his unstable and high blood pressure, doctors at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital inform Beltran that he may be transferred any moment out of the police hospital and back into solitary detention at the PNP Custodial Center.

24 March 2006
A hearing on the Supplemental Motion and Motion for Release was held at the MRTC. The DOJ prosecutors led by Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco attended the hearing. Prosecutor Velasco is given until March 29, 2006 within which to file his Comment on the Motions filed by Beltran's lawyers; on the other hand, Beltran's lawyers were required to submit a Memorandum. After the submission of the Comments and Memorandum, the case will be submitted for Resolution.

25 March 2006 – FIRST MONTH OF KA BEL’S ILLEGAL DETENTION

3 April 2006
Beltran’s lawyers file a Motion to Quash the Inciting to Sedition charge before the QC MTC Branch 43, under Judge Evangeline Marigomen. Judge Marigomen resets Beltran's arraignment to May 29, at 8:30 in the morning.

The MRTC Branch 137 delays its promulgation of a resolution on the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause filed by Beltran's lawyers one month ago. After the thirty days (30) waiting period, MRTC Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino filed for a thirty (30) day extension of the resolution, in effect prolonging his illegal detention in Camp Crame.

An Omnibus Motion aiming to effect the release of Cong. Beltran on humanitarian grounds was also filed at the MRTC.

7 April 2006
MRTC Branch 137 hearing on Omnibus Motion pleading to resolve the pending urgent Motion of Release and to allow Beltran to be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities. Beltran pleads that he be immediately released or be allowed to avail himself of the protective custody of the House of Representatives and be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities.

Senior State Prosecutors Emmanuel Velasco, Aileen Marie Gutierrez, and Joselita Mendoza filed an Opposition to the Omnibus Motion, praying that the Makati Court deny the said Motion. Judge Delorino gives the DOJ prosecution team and PNP until April 12 to comment on the medical findings presented by Beltran's lawyers.

Beltran’s lawyers present the following medical reports affirming his ill health: a Psychiatric Evaluation prepared by Dr. Michael P. Sionzon recommending Beltran's transfer to another hospital outside the PNP premises in order to lessen his prevailing anxiety and recurring nightmares of being tortured or assassinated; a Medical Report issued by cardiologist Dr. Roberto A. Raymundo of the Philippine Heart Center and another Medical Report issued by Health Action for Human Right (HAHR) physicians Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Reginaldo L. Pamugas, and Melani Hernandez-Sionzon.

17 April 2006
Judge Aldecoa-Delorino of MRTC Branch 137 issues a favourable resolution on the prayer to transfer Beltran to a private hospital with adequate facilities and doctors to address his medical problems, provided that the expense for such treatment and/or confinement shall be at Beltran's expense.

In the same resolution, however, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino, denied the Motion to Release Accused Crispin Beltran with Alternative Prayer to Allow Him to Attend Plenary Sessions and Committee Hearings of Congress and the alternative prayer to have Beltran placed under the protective custody of the House of Representatives.

25 April 2006
The MRTC issues the implementing order for Beltran's transfer to the Philippine Heart Center.

26 April 2006
The PNP transfers Beltran to Room 427 of the Philippine Heart Center.

04 May 2006
Judge Delorino hears and grants motion to strike out prosecution’s amended information, saying that it cannot be admitted as an amended but rather a new information.

08 May 2006
Prosecution files motion to inhibit Judge Delorino for alleged lack of impartiality. They allege Delorino to have decided in favour of the respondents with undue haste.

10 May 2006
Judge Delorino, despite denying lack of impartiality and deciding in undue haste, issues order to inhibit without resolving pending motion to determine probable cause

12 May 2006
Prosecution files the rejected amended information as new information with the Makati Regional Trial Court. The information implicate, among others, the Batasan 5 and leaders of progressive organizations.

15 May 2006
The new information (Batasan 5 and progressive leaders case) is raffled and goes to Judge Quilala of Branch 57. The old information (Ka Bel case) is re-raffled and goes to Judge Jaja Moya of Branch 147.

PILC files motion for reconsideration on Delorino’s inhibition order, praying that the Court “reconsider and set aside its Order dated 10 May 2006 and proceed to hear and decide the case.”

16 May 2006
The Batasan 5 file omnibus motion to dismiss with alternative prayer to suspend proceedings and to conduct hearing to determine probable cause, on grounds that the information suffers from fatal defects and that the case lacks probable cause. Outright dismissal of the information is sought as it is a mere rehash of the rejected information which violates due process rights of respondents. Another basis for its dismissal is the prosecution failed to comply with Rule 112, Section 4 of the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure which requires prosecution to personally examine all witnesses therein stated; the Information also lacks the required signature of the Chief State Prosecutor. The Batasan 5 asks for suspension of proceedings as they are still awaiting the Supreme Court’s resolution on their petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for a TRO and/or writ of preliminary injunction.

18 May 2006
DOJ files written opposition (via mail) to Ka Bel’s Motion for Reconsideration (MRTC received copy early on May 19).

DOJ files Motion to Consolidate the two information with the Makati RTC Branch 57, which it requested to be heard on May 24 at 10am.

19 May 2006
Prosecution panel fails to appear before the Court for the hearing on Ka Bel’s MR. Jude Delorino informs Ka Bel’s counsel of the prosecution’s written opposition, to which counsel was given that same day as deadline for submitting a reply.

22 May 2006
Hearing on Batasan 5’s Omnibus Motion to Dismiss Information was postponed and reset to May 29, 10am.

*Judge on Ka Bel’s rebellion case concedes to DOJ, Malacanang pressure; Inhibits herself to avoid political backlash

2006-05-22T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) lambasted this morning DOJ Sec. Raul Gonzales and the Malacanang for pressuring Makati Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino to inhibit herself from the rebellion case filed against Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran.

FKBM Spokesperson Dennis Maga assailed Gonzales’ dirty tactics to delay the decision of Delorino on the petition for judicial determination for probable cause filed by Beltran’s lawyers. Maga said that Delorino’s decision to junk the amended information by the prosecution which favors the Batasan 5 and the others accused of the same charges triggered Gonzales to move for the inhibition of the said Makati judge from further hearing the controversial case.

”Malacanang has all the means to manipulate the judicial process to their favor. It is a logical possibility that, similar to what they did in the 2004 elections, they have posed serious threats on the career of Delorino in the Judiciary. Or much worse, they have threatened the lives of Delorino and her family like what they did to un-cooperative members of Comelec in their 2004 election cheating extravaganza.”

The FKBM said that for as long as the judicial process is rolling on the side of the truth and fairness, they are still confident that the rebellion charges against the internationally acclaimed legislator will be junked. Maga however said that they will do everything to stop the DOJ and Malacanang from meddling in the judiciary and that they are ready to file cases against Sec. Gonzales and all those coercing Delorino and other members of the court. Different organizations and personalities supportive of Beltran will also file for the disbarment of Gonzales. ###

*Beltran's transfer to hospital expected tomorrow, April 24

2006-05-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

Ka Bel supporters await go signal from court

Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran is expected to be transferred to the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) anytime this week as the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) is set to give the go signal to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the illegally-detained solon's temporary release from Camp Crame.

On April 17, Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino of the MRTC Branch 137 approved Congressman Beltran's transfer to a hospital of his choice. In consideration of Beltran's various cardiovascular diseases, lawyers filed their request the following day for Beltran's transfer to the PHC along East Avenue in Quezon City.

Beltran's lawyers from the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) have received notice that the order for transfer is already lodged at the MRTC Branch 137 since last Friday.

It is yet to be signed, though, by Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino as she was reportedly ill late last week and was unable to go to the MRTC.

This request is expected to be approved hopefully by tomorrow morning by Judge Delorino and forwarded to the PNP for implementation immediately after.

Meanwhile, Beltran's supporters from the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) will be holding a support gathering to await Beltran's transfer to the PHC tomorrow, April 24 (Monday), in front of Camp Crame, FKBM Spokesperson Dennis Maga said.

"The PNP need not raise its red alert. This will be a peaceful gathering and 'pagsalubong' of Ka Bel's supporters. We have long asserted that he be released from detention in Camp Crame on humanitarian grounds while the legal battle for his liberty and justice continues," Maga said.

Despite being 73 years old, Beltran was illegally arrested and jailed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) since February 25, 2006, on fabricated and malicious charges. This has contributed to the precarious deterioration of his health, necessitating his detention at the PNP General Hospital since March 2. ###

*Interview with Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran

2006-05-22T02:48:00.000-07:00

Room 1, Philippine National Police General Hospital, Camp Crame
March 31, 2006

Kamusta na po kayo? Kamusta ang iyong kalagayan?

KA BEL: Sa kalagayan, ay masama ang kalagayan ko. Pwedeng tignan sa, unang-una, iyong kalagayang pampulitika: dito sa kulungan, siyempre, hindi ka makapagsalita ng kung ano gusto mong sabihin. In other words, kitang-kita ang kawalan mo ng kalayaan

Ngayon, sa kalusugan naman, masyadong erratic ang aking blood pressure. Paminsan-minsan, bumabababa ng napakababa. Halimbawa ang basa [ng blood pressure] ay [umabot] hanggang sa 90/60 at paminsan-minsan naman tumataas ng mataas na mataas, 180/120. At mayroon pa akong 'kutob' sa puso, na medically kung tawagin [ito] ay murmur of the heart.

So iyon na ang nadadaransan natin.

At siyempre pa, matagal-tagal na akong may record ng diabetes. Isa pa rin iyon sa minamanmanan natin, at gayundin iyong sakit sa baga. Noong year 2000 ay na-opsital [ako] ng more than 1 month at inalisan ng tubig ang aking baga, na umabot sa tatlong litro at kalahati.

Sa iyon ang mga minamanmanan natin ngayon na sakit.

Ngayon sa espiritu naman, o kaya katatagan ng loob, ay mas matatag ang kalooban ko ngayon kaysa sa dati. Sapagkat buong-buo sa aking isipan na kailangang ipagpatuloy ang pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya, sapagkat ito lamang ang tanging daan sa paglaya ng ating bayan.

Ano naman po ang mensahe ninyo sa mga tao na humihiling para sa iyong pagpapalaya?

KA BEL: Ako ay lubos-lubos na nagpapasalamant sa kanila, sa kanilang ginagawa sa ating paglaya. Pero higit sa lahat, ang aking hinihingi, katulad din nila, ay ang paglaya ng sambayanang Pilipino mula sa kalagayan ng oppression, repression, at extreme poverty. Kailangang lumaya tayo sa lahat ng ito.

Kung kaya't ipinapanukala ko ulit sa kanila na kailangang ituloy-tuloy namin ang aming sinumpaan na commitment sa bayan na ipagpatuloy ng mas masugid at nagkakaisa iyong pakikibaka para sa pambansang paglaya at demokrasya sa ating bayan.

At sa ilalim nito, [nandiyan iyong] kailangang sentrohan namin ang pakikibaka para sa kabuhayan ng mamamayan na umaabot ngayon sa 90% ng kabuuang mamamayan sa bansa natin, ay halos kapos o walang kabuhayan.

Pangalawa, kailangang ituloy-tuloy natin ang pakikibaka para sa karapatang pantao. Sapagkat alam naman nating lahat ngayon na [ang] sinesentruhan ng pagyurak sa karapatang-pantao ay iyong mga kasamahan nating mga aktibista na [sumusulong sa pakikibakang] pangkabuhayan at pampulitika, na tuloy tuloy ang kanilang pagkilos. Kinikitil ngayon ang kanilang buhay ng mga military at goons ng administrasyong Arroyo.

Doon natin itutuon ang pakikibaka para sa paggalang ng karapatang pantao.

Pangatlo, yung pakikibaka para matamo ang katarungang panlipunan, na sa ngayon ay nananatiling panaginip lamang.

At ang panghuli ang pakikibaka para sa kapayapaan ng ating bayan.

Mababalikan [ko] pala iyong tungkol sinabi ko na pakikibaka para sa kabuhayan. May dalawang (2) mahalagang programa sa ilalim nito, at ito yung pakikibaka para sa pagkakaroon ng tunay na repormang agraryo, na siya ang tungtungang pangkabuhayan na isinusulong. Kaakibat nito, ang buong pagsisikap para magkaroon ng tunay na pambansang industriyalisasyon, sapagkat kung wala ang dalawang (2) na ito ay mahirap maabot ang economic emancipation ng ating bansa

Iyon lahat-lahat ang ating ipinakikibaka sa ngayon, na kumbaga sinuma lang natin ang 20-point program na inihain natin sa pamahalaan nang tayo ay nagumpisang lumahok sa pampulitika o parliamentaryong pakikibaka sa loob ng Kongreso.

Inuulit natin na iyong pakikibaka sa loob ng Kongreso ay dagdag na entablado lamang sa pakikibaka ng martsa ng sambayanan sa labas ng Kongreso. Ang tunay na inaasahan natin ay yung pagtatagumpay ng pakikibaka sa labas ng Kongreso.

Ano naman po yung mensahe ninyo sa mga taong na nais panatilihin kayo sa piitan?

KA BEL: Sa mga taong nandodoon sa kampo o mga kaporal ng reaksyonaryong pulitika at programang ekonomiya na gusto akong panalitihin dito: sana maunawaan ninyo na ang ipinakikibang ito ng partido Anakpawis, o kaya ng masang anakpawis, ay para sa inyo rin.

Isinusumpa namin na kailanman ang napakaraming mamamayan [ang] lumalangoy sa kumunoy ng kahirapan at kakaunti lamang na mamamayan lamang ang nagtatamasa ng kayamanan at kaginwahaan-- darating ang panahon na hindi na rin ninyo pakikinabangan ang inyong kayamanan kung ayaw ninyong ma-'save' ang nakakarami na nandidyan sa kumunoy ng kahirapan.

Sabi nga ng mga nakaraang Presidente, lalong lalo na si Pres. [John F.] Kennedy ng Estados Unidos, "If you can not save the many who are poor, you can not save the few who are rich"*.

Ayon po ang mensahe natin sa mga taong palayo at umaabuso sa kapangyahiran, na pinagsasamantalahan at inaapi ang nakararami. Iyon ang ibinibigay natin na
warning sa kanila.

Iyon lamang at maraming salamat.

*Taken from Pres. John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech dated January 20, 1961, as follows: " To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required-not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich."

*Taiwanese Groups Protest Against Attacks on the Civil andPolitical Rights of the Filipino People

2006-05-22T02:46:00.000-07:00

MARCH 31, 2006

Reference: Mr. Gi Estrada, Area Coordinator in Taiwan, Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) Contact Nos. (+886) 917-423-130

Taiwanese Human Rights organizations together with other civil society and labor groups staged this morning the biggest protest action in Taiwan to date to denounce the continuing human rights violations in the Philippines. This was held in front of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei and was participated by around 60 Taiwanese and 10 Filipino migrants. Other issues raised were the continuing attacks on the civil and political rights of the Filipino people and the arrest and detention of Representative Crispin Beltran.

Rep. Beltran¡¦s message was even read to the protesters by the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants. He thanked the participants for their mass action and vowed that he would one day meet them soon.

The activity was organized by the Chang Fo-Chuan Center for the Study of Human Rights, Soochow University in Taipei and was endorsed by 51 organizations and labor groups and 175 individuals. The picket in MECO was the third held in Taipei in a months time. Migrante Sectoral Party - Taiwan chapter, initiated the first two. These were held on February 28 and March 5 respectively.

A one-minute of silence was offered to the human rights victims and defenders in the Philippines. After which a number of slogans including Release Ka Bel, Zero Tolerance to state violence and long live international solidarity were heard. Speakers from the various participating organizations were allowed to air out their views. Atty. Carlo Aquino, head of MECO¡¦s assistance to nationals received the petition letter from the organizers including that of the Labor Rights Association, which collected the signatories from labor groups.

The participants then shouted liar and release Ka Bel when he was allowed to air out the Philippine governments position to the crowd.

*Respect Human Rights and Civil Liberties, Free Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran!

2006-05-22T02:44:00.000-07:00

Statement of the Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines (HKCAHRPP)

The Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines, a coalition of composed of grassroots organizations of workers, women, students, human rights advocates, civil libertarians, church people, NGOs, journalists and migrant workers in Hong Kong, vehemently condemn the continued detention of Rep. Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Party.

His illegal arrest and detention since February 24 by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Groups (CIDG) of the national police gravely violates his fundamental human and political rights. His continued detention despite his critical health condition exposes the government’s lack of respect for human rights specially those who are critical of the government’s policies.Moreso, other members of the Parliament belonging to progressive partylists like Reps. Satur Ocampo, Joel Virador and Teodoro Casino of Bayan Muna (People First) Party; Rep. Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis Party and Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela Women’s Party are under the threat of warrant-less arrest.

On Feb. 28, the entire House of Representatives, recognizing that probable cause has yet to be established in their case, unanimously approved House Resolution 1169, a bipartisan resolution that reaffirmed the right of Rep. Beltran and the rest of the progressive parliamentarians to due process and gave them “protective custody” absent any judicially issued warrant of arrest resulting from a preliminary investigation or indictment.However, despite the Lower House’s protective custody, the Arroyo government, specifically its National Police, has disregarded this very basic right and insists that once they get out of their offices, they will be arrested even without warrant in clear violation of their rights under the Constitution and various laws.Even after the so-called lifting of the "State of National Emergency", the government continues to threaten political opponents, activists and progressive legislators with warrantless arrest. Peaceful protest actions and assemblies are met with violent dispersals by the police while strict government monitoring in the media is still in place.Meanwhile, political killings in the provinces targeting leaders of peasants and workers organizations, human rights advocates, church people, lawyers, journalists and progressive local government officials are escalating.

Since 2001, more than 80 party members of Bayan Muna, at least 24 mebers of Anakpawis and Gabriela were killed by suspected military operatives. Santiago Teodoro, chair of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance or BAYAN) in Bulacan province, was gunned down as he was driving in Barihan town on March 9. He was the 20th militant leader killed in the province since 2005 and the 47th in Central Luzon.These and the President’s consistent announcement of government and military crackdown on "enemies of the state", or should we say enemies of the President, only show that the Philippines is again under martial rule.We join the Filipino people in their quest for genuine democracy, social justice and respect for human rights. As we pledge our continuous solidarity, we urgently demand the following:

Immediate & unconditional release of Rep. Crispin Beltran & other political detainees;

Stop political intimidation and police harassment to progressive parliamentarians;

Respect freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and of the press; and

Uphold and respect the civil, political and basic human rights of the Filipino people;

12 March 2006, Hong Kong SAR

*Hangad ay kalayaan benefit concert

2006-05-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

HANGAD AY KALAYAAN BENEFIT CONCERT
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF SOLIDARITY THROUGH POETRY & MUSIC
ON SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2006 AT FREEDOM BAR ANONAS QC

THIS CONCERT IS A FUND RAISING BENEFIT CONCERT BY THE
FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT
FOR TICKETS & INQUIRES PLEASE CALL 421-0768
OR ACQUIRE TICKETS AT THE GATE

*Visiting Hours at PNP General Hospital

2006-05-22T02:38:00.000-07:00

Sa mga kasama at kaibigang may planong dumalaw kay Ka Bel sa PNP General Hospital, heto po ang oras ng dalaw:

Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday: 8am-12nn
Monday-Wednesday-Friday: Special Visit only
Sunday: no visitors allowed

Kung mapapansin natin, kahit ang ating pagdalaw ay hinigpitan ng PNP. Pang-ilang palit na po ito ng oras ng dalaw, partikular sa ating minamahal na lider manggagawa at kinatawan ng Ankapawis sa Kongreso.

Maari pong makipag-coordinate sa Anakpawis (tel# 9316615) kung kayo o ang inyong organisasyon ay may planong bumisita kay ka Bel.

*Release Rep. Beltran Now!

2006-05-22T02:29:00.000-07:00

"If helping the poor is a crime, and fighting for freedom is rebellion, then I plead guilty as charged." --Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing

*Calendar of Activities

2006-05-22T02:27:00.000-07:00

March 11, 2006
(1pm-5 pm) Workers’ Indoor Rally, UP Alumni Hostel

March 13, 2006
(9:30 am) Free Ka Bel Movement Convenors’ Meeting, UP Faculty Regent Office, UP Diliman
(10:00 am) Senate hearing on Rep. Beltran’s illegal arrest

March 16, 2006
(9am-12nn) Free Ka Bel Movement Media Forum with Workers and Parliamentarians, Andaya Hall, House of Representatives

March 17, 2006
(1-5pm) Workers mobilization,pushing for: 1) Rep. Beltran’s immediate release and; 2)the approval of HB345 providing for a P125 legislated wage increase, Isetan (Recto) to Plaza Miranda

March 20, 2006
PHOTO EXHIBIT, Hangad ay Kalayaan: Sulyap sa Buhay at Pakikibaka ni Cong. Crispin Beltran, House of Representatives

March 23, 2006
Multi-sectoral mobilization, Plaza Miranda

March 24, 2006
(9:00am) Rep. Beltran’s Hearing on Supplemental Motion and Motion to Release, Makati Regional Trial Court

March 25, 2006
(10:30am) Presscon, Tree House, Kalayaan, QC (12nn) FKBM Convenors' Visit to Rep. Crispin Beltran, Camp Crame

March 28, 2006
FKBM-Southern Tagalog Visit to Rep. Crispin Beltran, Camp Crame
Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa GSIS (KMG) visit to Rep. Crispin Beltran at Camp Crame

March 29, 2006
(1am-1pm) Convenors Lunch Meeting, Room 12 Mitra Hall, House of Representatives

April 1, 2006
(7:00pm) Cultural Night for the release of Rep. Beltran
Freedom Bar, Anonas, Quezon City

PLEASE JOIN US!

*MANIFESTO OF UNITY CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF CONG. CRISPIN BELTRAN AND A HALT TO POLITICAL REPRESSION

2006-05-22T02:16:00.000-07:00

We hereby unite in defense of Anakpawis Partylist (Toiling Masses Party) Representative Crispin B. Beltran.

We condemn the illegal arrest and inhumane detention of Cong. Beltran by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) last February 25, 2006, a day after the issuance of Presidential Proclamation 1017 declaring a state of emergency. We deplore how Cong. Beltran and company were accosted without an arrest warrant by elements of the CIDG, forcibly brought to Camp Crame for interrogation, and detained on false and null charges of inciting to sedition and rebellion.

We deplore how Cong. Beltran was treacherously taken from his cell by the police on February 27 on the pretext of being given medical attention, and was subjected to an inquest on new charges of rebellion--an incident condemned as "an act of political harassment" by no less than international human rights lawyer Atty. Romeo T. Capulong. We deplore how Cong. Beltran has remained in detention under police custody up to this very moment, despite the release order issued by the Quezon City Metropoltian Trial Court last March 13, 2006.

We express deep concerns for Cong. Beltran's well-being and health. Cong. Beltran is 73 years old, recovering from a mild stroke, and is taking maintenance medicine for hypertension and diabetes. Several days after his unjust incarceration, Cong. Beltran was rushed to the PNP General Hospital for unstable blood pressure levels and remains there to date. In the PNP General Hospital, Cong. Beltran is being served with inappropriate and unhealthy food which can worsen his health condition. This is contrary to the press statements of the PNP Director-General Arturo Lomibao that Cong. Beltran is well-taken care of as a “VIP”. These infuriating circumstances have considerably contributed to the deterioration of his health, something which this veteran labor leader does not deserve. We stand united in the belief that the best way to restore and stabilize his health is by immediately transferring him to a hospital where he can be attended upon by his personal doctors, and dropping the false and malicious charges filed against him.

Only dictatorships detain parliamentarians the way the PNP has detained Cong. Beltran. His continuing incarceration is not only unforgivably inhumane and blatantly unconstitutional; it is also a despicable act of political repression that deserves the condemnation of the entire Filipino people and the international community. We condemn this brazen violation of the right to due process under the law and the treacherous connivance between public officials involved in Cong. Beltran's arrest and detention.

We demand nothing less than Cong. Beltran's immediate and unconditional release from unjust detention in Camp Crame. The dismissal of the inciting to sedition case filed against Cong. Beltran only strengthens the grounds to drop the false, null, repressive and malicious charge of rebellion filed against him by the PNP and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

We condemn the issuance Presidential Proclamation 1017 last February 24, 2006, which served as an implementing order to this intensified spate of ruthless political repression against civilians and public officials critical of the Arroyo administration. The issuance of PP1017 is unfounded and unconstitutional. The “paper-lifting” of PP1017 last March 3, 2006 is not enough for it does not guarantee an end to warrantless arrests and political harassments. We demand the government to withdraw all illegal and unfounded charges to all victims of political repressions, and scrap General Order No. 5 which legalizes warrantless arrests.

We also deplore the rabid campaign of political repression against progressive solons such as Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo, Joel Virador, and Teddy Casino, leaders and supporters of progressive organizations, the Filipino mass media, and ordinary citizens. It is deeply tragic how human rights violations and violations of civil and political rights have persisted and reached alarming levels in contemporary Philippine society. These acts of political repression must be duly condemned and the perpetrators held accountable.

We call on the Filipino people and the international community to stand in favor of basic civil and political rights.

RELEASE CONG. CRISPIN “KA BEL” BELTRAN NOW!

SUPPORT THE END OF POLITICAL REPRESSION IN THE PHILIPPINES AND ELSEWHERE

IN THE WORLD WHERE INJUSTICE AND TYRANNY REIGNS!

NEVER AGAIN TO MARTIAL LAW!

CONVENORS:
1. Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona
2. Senator Jamby Madrigal
3. Rep. Roseller Barinaga
4. Rep. Edcel Lagman Sr.
5. Dr. Edberto Villegas, UP Manila
6. Dir. Joel Lamangan, dgpi
7. Fr. Joe Dizon, Kairos
8. Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, National Coalition for The Protection of Workers' Rights (NCPWR)
9. Mr. Elmer Labog, Kilusang Mayo Uno
10. Atty. Remigio Saladero, Pro-Labor Legal Assistance Center (PLACE)
11. Ms Cherry Clemente, Anakpawis
12. Ms Daisy Arago, Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR)
13. Mr. Donato Continente, SELDA
14. Ms. Connie Regalado, MIGRANTE
15. Mr. Ferdie Gaite, COURAGE
16. Mr.Dennis Maga, FKBM Spokesperson
17. Prof. Doroteo Abaya, UP Manila
18. Gat Inciong, MCCCL
19. Nanay Carmen Deunida, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY)
20. Ms. Lengua De Guzman, Idol Ko si Ka Bel
21. Mr. Juan Paolo Alfonso, UP-Diliman University Student Council
22. Mr. Paul Quintos, Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER)
23. Prof. Roland Simbulan, UP Faculty Regent