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H15489

Headlines : Government

Summary:

Urged on by the U.S., the government of Gloria Arroyo has become one of the most repressive in Asia, with hundreds of killings being attributed to the Filipino army and many more disappeared. Arroyo herself excuses the repression with an appeal to put ends before means, claiming (dubiously) that “This government has stayed focused on what Filipinos yearn for most: a good job, steady prices, and a healthy family.”

In reality, most Filipinos remain desperately poor and the government has done nothing to alleviate the problems of either rural areas or the metropolis of Manila.

Still, people are fighting back and defending Filipino democracy. Guerrilla movements are fighting for community rights against mining companies and the military.

[Posted By Szamko]

By AP Staff
Republished from International Herald Tribune

5,000 mark anniversary of the fall of Ferdinand Marcos, claiming little has changed

Thousands of Filipino activists marched in the streets Friday to denounce alleged corruption and political killings, saying little has changed since the repressive rule of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s and ’80s.

About 5,000 protesters marched toward a historic bridge near the presidential palace, which was sealed off by steel barricades. Activists who tried to push their way closer scuffled briefly with dozens of riot police, who pushed them back.

Carol Araullo, chairwoman of the largest left-wing alliance, Bayan, said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s government “has not learned the lessons of Marcos.”

“It has engaged in gross human rights abuses such as killings and abductions. It has even rivaled previous regimes in terms of corruption,” she said.

Marcos, who headed the country for 20 years, declared martial law in 1972 and ruled with an iron fist until he was ousted in a nonviolent “people power” revolt in 1986.

[end excerpt]

Click here to read the rest of the article

Posted by Szamko
Just tries to tell the truth.

H15489

Filipino activists march against corruption and military killings

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