[On the Aquino-Corona rift] Urban poor group challenges CJ Corona

PRESS RELEASE l 09 JANUARY 2012
KALIPUNAN NG DAMAYANG MAHIHIRAP (KADAMAY)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines--A militant urban poor group challenged Chief Justice Renato Corona to take popular pro-poor actions in order for him to earn the support of the sector and the people. The group also expressed its fear that the urban poor could be used by certain political factions to amplify their narrow demands and serve their interests related to the impeachment case faced by the chief justice.

Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) supported the impeachment case against Corona in a statement released yesterday.

Kadamay national chairperson Ka Leleng Zarsuela in its statement simply said, "we will be supporting the coming proceeding as it is one way of making Arroyo accountable of her crimes to the people."

The group also expressed its doubt on the sincerity of the Aquino administration in making CGMA accountable for her crimes to the people. "Aside from getting back at Corona for the Supreme Court's decision on the disputed 6,500-hectare Luisita land, the impeachment case might just be another popular move of the Aquino administration to cover-up its failure to address the apparent widespread poverty of its people," Zarsuela said.

Pro-poor actions
Meanwhile, Zarsuela added that "by taking pro-poor actions, Corona can easily prove to the people that he is not Arroyo's last ace, and get the upper hand in this political battle. We have long been waiting for someone to intervene on the attacks of the Arroyo and Aquino administrations to the urban poor."

As an example, Zarsuela said: "The Supreme Court can issue a temporary restraining order on the violent demolition of urban poor communities like Corazon de Jesus in San Juan City, and North Triangle in QC. Both communities face threats of demolition this week."

"By issuing Supreme Court decisions that directly serve the interests of the poor, the judiciary and the Chief Justice will surely earn the sympathy of the wider public in this highly critical political battle," according to Zarsuela.

Critical point
"We are threading on a significant point in our history similar during the two EDSA revolutions, and the urban poor must again be critical not to let the ruling class only further its interest," Zarsuela said.

According to the leader, 'It must be clear that the recent rift among the ruling class is but an opportunity for the urban poor to advance its demand for substantial change and benefit."

Pay-to-mobilize scheme
"A group close to the Aquino administration as well as other groups notorious for their pay-to-mobilize scheme has been courting urban poor organizations in Metro Manila to join protest actions that serve certain political interests," Zarsuela claimed.

As the impeachment hearing against Corona will kick-off on Jan 16 at the Senate, protests supporting both camps are to be expected in the nation’s capital.

"The urban poor have played a significant role in big mobilizations that has changed the course of Philippine history, partly because of their number and their proximity to the battleground. The other reason is that they are easy to mobilize for a small amount as low as P20-50, and sometimes for just a single meal," Zarsuela said.

She called on the urban poor in Metro Manila, and nearby regions not be blinded by the measly amount poured on urban poor communities by some political groups. ###

REFERENCE: Gloria Arellano l National secretary-general (09213927457)