Repression in the Philippines

Repression in the Philippines

CUPE National President writes to President Arroyo

March 6, 2006

H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President of the Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace
JP laurel Street
San Miguel Manila
Philippines

Dear President Macapagal-Arroyo:

I am writing to you on behalf of the more than half-million members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees to express our deep concern about ongoing repression against legitimate organizations and activists in your country.

We were alarmed by your actions on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the People Power revolution in the Philippines, when you declared a State of National Emergency. We are somewhat relieved that you have lifted the state of emergency, but continue to be deeply concerned by recent and continued reports of aggression, repression and intimidation by your government.

We understand that on Saturday February 26, 2006, Mr. Crispin Beltran – Chairman Emeritus of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) organization, and an elected representative of the National legislature – was abducted and arrested in a subdivision in Bulacan, north of Manila, where he resides. The Canadian labour movement knows Mr. Beltran as a veteran labour leader and we are concerned that he is the first victim of the Proclamation Order 1017 of the State of Emergency. Please assure us of his welfare and release.

International civil society has expressed alarm, concern and protest over your actions, which have a very chilling effect that harkens back to the PO 1081, the Martial law declaration of Marcos in the 1970s. It has further been reported that hundreds of people have been targeted for arrest without warrant.
It is troubling to us that, 20 years after ousting a dictator, the Philippines is once again under the shadow of martial law. I urge you – in the strongest terms possible to:

• take the necessary measures to secure the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all charges against this labour leader and other political activists;

•  cease the crackdown on legitimate dissent, and

• stop all forms of political persecution and repression.

Yours sincerely,
PAUL MOIST
National President

cc:
• CUPE National Executive Board
• The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of labour
• The Honourable Peter Gordon Mackay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Guy Ryder, General Secretary, ICFTU Embassy of the Philippines, Ottawa
• Alexa McDonough, NDP