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BALIKATAN: ESTRADA'S
ERROR; GLORIA'S CHALLENGE
NEWS RELEASE
27 April 2001
As Estrada fanatics gather at Edsa, GABRIELA and other militant groups trooped to the US Embassy to protest one of the biggest reasons why Estrada had to leave Malacanang in the first place--the Visiting Forces Agreement. The first Balikatan exercise held under the Arroyo administration is set to begin today.
"The resumption of the Balikatan is a timely reminder of yet another of Estrada's crimes against the people-- the approval of the VFA." This was according to Liza Maza, BAYAN MUNA Partylist Nominee and GABRIELA Secretary General.
Maza said that "it is Estrada who is responsible for the VFA's approval, having pulled enough strings and filled enough pockets at the senate. By doing such, the Estrada regime has caused the death of children in accidental bomb explosions and the destruction of lands and livelihood of Aeta communities. Moreover, it can be said that during his regime, Estrada was the biggest pimp of Filipino women and children. He made the passage of the US to the country easier and smoother. This should be more than enough reason for the crowd at Edsa to leave. They should realize that they are being used a most corrupt and fascist US puppet."
At least 1,700 US soldiers are expected to take part in the Balikatan-01 that will begin today in the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Cavite. The government believes much economic gains are to be expected with the Balikatan. GABRIELA however, doubted this saying the Balikatan could do more damage than good. "Said economic gains would most probably come from the active nightlife of US troops. Major gainers in this deal are nightclubs, resorts and other centers of prostitution in the provinces where the Balikatan will be held. Even the VFA Committee admitted the US soldiers are ready to spend at least P11M in hotel expenses alone."
"With the opening of the Balikatan, we have to take caution and keep active watch. Cases of violence and sexual abuse against women and children could rise, as shown in the recent Balikatan in Cebu. This, history has taught us and we have witnessed at the military bases in Clark and Subic," Maza said.
GABRIELA called on the Arroyo government to abrogate the VFA. This was part of the women's agenda presented to President Arroyo. "We hope that it will be easier for a woman president to understand our concerns as women, especially our concern for the violence and abuse that could come with the VFA. Unlike Estrada we hope President Arroyo will respond to the women's agenda, take a stand for women's rights and for national sovereignty. We hope that unlike Estrada, she will take a stand against the VFA." Maza concluded. ###
