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PAMPANGA FOLKS
URGED TO VOTE AGAINST VFA AND TOXIC WASTES ON MAY 14
NEWS RELEASE
25 March 2001
"Pampanguenos should reserve their ballots for candidates who will pursue the people’s fight against the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), as well as the complaints filed by toxic waste victims against the US and Philippine governments,” BAYAN MUNA Partylist nominee and GABRIELA Secretary General Liza Maza said today.
Speaking before an audience of over 500 Pampanguenos both in Mabalacat and Angeles, Maza said, “we have perished enough. We have been made into dumping sites for toxic wastes and target practice for G.I.’s. Women have been exploited and violated, all because leaders in government have bowed to US dictates at the people’s expense. Let us flush these people out of government, and put into place those who will pursue the people’s agenda.”
Maza explained that part of BAYAN MUNA’s agenda is to uphold national sovereignty and fight foreign domination and control. “A vote for BAYAN MUNA is indeed, a vote against the VFA, a vote for the continued struggle of Pampanguenos against toxic waste.”
Maza also urged the Arroyo administration to pursue the US government and put a stop to military exercises being held all over the country. Around 2,000 Filipino and US troops are set to conduct military exercises next month. “We have seen the damaging effects of these military exercises-from the displacement of aeta communities and farmers, to the destruction of our environment and the deaths of children.”
Maza also challenged GMA, to “pursue the US government and hold the US liable for the deaths, the illnesses that has plagued especially those living near the former military base in Clark.”
Maza also warned Pampaguenos against re-electionists running for the senate who, in 1999, voted for the ratification of the VFA. “Let’s not give people like Miriam Defensor Santiago and Gringo Honasan another chance to trample our nation’s sovereignty, sell our lands and pimp our women and children.” Maza concluded.###
