STATE WORKERS’ PARTYLIST DENOUNCE PROLONGED PRESENCE OF U.S. TROOPS, ACCUSE PGMA OF TREASON

Submitted by courage_phil on Wed, 08/26/2009 - 06:11.

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At least three hundred members of the
militant COURAGE Partylist, a sectoral party of government employees, families
and advocates, held a protest rally today along Elliptical Road in Quezon City
to register their strong opposition to the retention of the US military troops
within the Philippine territory.

“These foreign troops have been
deployed here in our country since 2002 years after the Filipino people have
long decided to throw out the U.S. bases and the Arroyo government has condone
their unconstitutional presence. This is a blatant act of treason against the
Filipino people,” asserted COURAGE Partylist National President Ferdinand
Gaite.

COURAGE Partylist also expressed its
disgust over Malacañang’s statement that the US troops based in the South have
significantly contributed to the annihilation of the terrorist groups in
Mindanao. “Seven long years have already passed since they started their
operations in Mindanao but until now we do not see any sign that the Abu Sayyaf
Group (ASG) will be totally eliminated soon. The humanitarian work the Joint
Special Operations Task Force Philippines claimed can never be used as an
excuse for their prolonged, unwelcomed stay. We are also appalled with the US
government’s admission that 20 percent of their work is combat-related.  Civilian casualties and rights violations during
their military exercises are inevitable and the Arroyo administration does not
have the backbone to prosecute US soldiers even if all evidences are clearly
established against them,” stated Gaite. 

The group cited that the Constitution and
R.A. 7613 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees clearly state that it is incumbent to all public officials and
employees to serve the people with utmost responsibility and loyalty, and to
act with patriotism at all times. “Mrs. Arroyo’s approval of the continued
presence of the US troops in the Philippines is a brazen violation of the
Constitution that is an impeachable offense”, said Gaite.

COURAGE Partylist vowed to intensify
their campaign for the immediate removal of the US troops and stand up against
any threat to our patrimony and sovereignty. The platform of governance of the
militant partylist includes the respect for the national sovereignty. “We shall
also work for the adoption of an independent foreign policy as part of our
legislative agenda,” he explained. #