Long live the memory of Crispin
"Ka Bel" Beltran, outstanding fighter for national and social liberation, beloved leader of the Filipino working class and
people
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan pays its
highest tribute to our former chairman, Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran after his untimely passing on May 20, 2008. We give our most
heartfelt condolences to the family, comrades, friends and the millions of supporters who are grieving the loss of an outstanding
fighter for national and social liberation and a beloved leader of the Filipino working class and people.
The Filipino
people mourn the loss of a towering figure in the Philippine labor and people's movement. Ka Bel holds the distinct achievement
of being chairman of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, the multi-sectoral Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, the partylist Anakpawis and the
International League of People's Struggle.
Before holding these important positions in the mass movement, Ka Bel was
a courier for the guerilla movement against the Japanese occupation in World War 2, a taxi driver and union leader in the
50's, and a leader of the labor sector from the 60's onward, before becoming a lawmaker.
Ka Bel was detained during
Martial Law but managed to escape the fascist dictatorship and continue the struggle in the underground movement. He continued
his activities during the Aquino, Ramos and Estrada administrations, often leading huge protest actions for workers demands,
human rights, and a host of multi-sectoral issues.
Ka Bel was also detained and placed under hospital arrest for 16
months under the fascist Arroyo regime. He was arrested based on a 20 year old warrant and charged with the non-bailable crime
of rebellion in 2006. The Supreme Court has ordered the trumped up charges dismissed.
Time and again, the powers that
be sought to suppress the fiery resistance of Ka Bel. None succeeded.
Ka Bel was loved by the people he served. His
determination, sacrifice and simple living inspired others, especially when he upheld these same values while serving in the
House of Representatives. Ka Bel would not be bribed nor bought. He was poor, yes, but only in terms of assets and liabilities.
What he gave up in wealth, he more than made up for in terms of honesty and integrity.
He was also steadfast in his
beliefs. Ka Bel believed that a better world is possible and that this could be achieved only through the united struggle
of oppressed peoples here and abroad. He believed that imperialism and reaction can be defeated and that a bright socialist
future awaits the toiling peoples of the world. He was a staunch patriot who believed that the Philippines should be freed
from the scourges of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.
We grieve the loss of Ka Bel. His death is as
heavy as the Sierra Madre. He lived a life ever-dedicated to the liberation of the Filipino people and the emancipation of
the working class.
We offer our most militant salute to our beloved Ka Bel!
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Statement of Workers’ Unity for the
Resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
We are workers, employees, unionists and members of the urban
poor who come together to stand and work together for the resignation of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as President of the Philippines.
We say: Enough of Gloria’s corruption and plunder, oppression, and repression of the Filipino people! Enough of her
crimes against the people!
Enough of Gloria’s corruption and plunder! Jose Pidal account, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Joc-joc Bolante
and fertilizer scam, Comelec computerization program, North Rail and South Rail projects, Cyber-Education Project, and NBN-ZTE
– these have been the words and phrases for corruption and plunder under the Arroyo administration. In all of these,
no venue for truth and accountability has been provided by the government: No credible investigation has been launched, no
government official has been put behind bars. What we see are evidences that point to the culpability of Mrs. Arroyo, her
family and closest allies in government. What we see are attempts of this government to hide the truth and evade accountability.
Enough of Gloria’s oppression of the Filipino people! Landlessness, high prices, low wages and salaries, retrenchment
and contractualization, demolition of homes, poor basic services -- these are the daily experiences of the Filipino people
under Gloria’s administration who continue to serve only the interests of foreign capitalists and her cronies.
Enough of Gloria’s repression of the Filipino people! Extra-judicial killings of more than 800 people, enforced
disappearances, union busting, strike busting, militarization in workplaces and urban poor communities – these have
been the responses of the Arroyo administration to those who dared to oppose her anti-workers and anti-people policies. In all of these, no thoroughgoing investigations have been made. We only hear her retinue
of cabinet officials and top generals doing official denials. What we see are the policies of this government to silence her
critics and continue to cling to power.
We who produce wealth for the country, yet are made even poorer by the policies of her administration,
unite with other sectors in saying “Tama na!” We who form part of the
Filipino people, yet are always at the losing end of her anti-people, anti-national measures, unite with other sectors in
saying “Sobra na!” We who barely live by the fruits of our unremitting
labor, yet are always the victims of corruption and plunder in government, unite with other sectors in saying “Gloria, Resign na!”
__________________________________________________________________
ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 2008
MOVEMENT & DANCE WORKSHOPS
( FEB 6, 13, 20, 27, & MARCH 5)
Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining PUP Chapter
BASIC & ADVANCE VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS
( FEB 6, 13, 20, 27, & MARCH 5)
Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining PUP Chapter
UNION BASED CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE ARTS
Sponsored by the Union Cultural Committees affiliated with Tambisan sa Sining Inc.
This activity is as per area based activity
WORKERS CHORALE WORKSHOP REHEARSAL
in preparation for the May 1st Labor Day 2008
Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining Inc.
@ the Tambisan sa Sining Inc. National Office
BALAI Obrero Foundation, QC
BISITA PABRIKA at MARALITANG KOMUNIDAD
Summer Integration Programme
(Starting February 9, 2008, LAWS Garments workers picketline)
Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining Inc. & the Tambisan sa Sining PUP Chapter
DISCUSSION OF "KRP SA LARANGAN NG KULTURA"
Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining Inc.
@ the Tambisan sa Sining Inc. National Office
BALAI Obrero Foundation, QC
MAY DAY 2008 LABOR DAY CELEBRATION
May 1, 2008, Liwasang Bonifacio, City of Manila
Co-Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining Inc.
BONIFACIO DAY CELEBRATION
November 30, 2008,
Venue for Confirmation
Co-Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining Inc.
REGULAR SOCIO-CULTURAL & POPULAR EDUCATION
Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining Inc.
@ the Tambisan sa Sining Inc. National Office
BALAI Obrero Foundation, QC
THE FIRST PHILIPPINE TRADE UNION CULTURAL CONFERENCE
Sponsored by the Tambisan sa Sining Inc.
Venue and dates for Confirmation
OTHER MAJOR PERFORMANCE SCHEDULES WILL BE ADDED LATER
Venue and dates for Confirmation
----------------------------------------------------------
For inquires, information, schedules of activities,performances & rehearsals,funding,
donations & pledges, campaigns & advocacies, meetings & consultations
Please contact the Executive Board of Tambisan sa Sining Inc.
__________________________________________________
Seven green
and pro-people tips for GMA's removal
In light of the current
NBN ZTE scandal, environmental activists from Kalikasan PNE offer seven handy tips for the Filipino people to keep in mind.
1.SEGREGATE the truth from lies, especially in the cases of the NBN ZTE, 'Hello Garci'
tapes, Jose Pidal, and North Rail scandals, electoral fraud in the 2004 and 2007 polls, the extrajudicial killings of activists,
and Presidential Proclamation 1017.
2.THROW THE TRASH WHEN IT STINKS. We can no longer ignore the truth that is coming out
of the NBN ZTE and Hello Garci scandals. Now that the stink is finally out, it's high time to throw Pres. Gloria Arroyo along
with all her denials, cover-ups, and deception in the trash bin of history.
3.REDUCE corruption in Philippine government, starting with the immediate removal of
the largest, filthiest, and dirtiest one in Malacanang.
4.REUSE, RECYCLE and reinvigorate the calls for land reform, just wages and jobs, justice
and human rights which the Arroyo administration mindlessly threw into the trash bin. Don't let the people's legitimate demands
of the past six years go to waste.
5.PLANT THE SEEDS of social change by doing your civic duty to stop corruption, plunder
of our national patrimony and government coffers, political repression, and human rights violations.
6.TAP THE BEST SOURCE OF RECHARGEABLE ENERGY in the form of people power and collective
action!
7.CONSERVE ENERGY for the longer walks and rallies to come. Start walking hand in hand
with family, colleagues, and friends and join the street protests calling for GMA's resignation now!
__________________________________________________
(
tAKEN FROM THE KALIKASAN -People's Network for the Environment )
Mendiola ng buhay natin
Roland Tolentino
Malalaki ang
bilang na dumadalo ng mga rali noon. Libu-libo, madalas umaabot din ng daan-daang libo. Kasagsagan pa ng People Power I, at
kahit pa marami nang nanamlay sa kilusan at bumalik sa gawi ng gitnang uring pagnanasa, mas marami ang nanatili sa hanay.
Nasa kilusang kabataan at estudyante ako noong 1988, kasama ng College Editors Guild of the Philippines. Sa panahong
ito, pinapalawak ang pambansang kasapian. Binubuhay ang mga rehiyon at eskuwelahang nawalan ng ugnay sa organisasyon. Pinapaigting
rin ang ugnay sa iba pang organisasyong pangkabataan at iba pang sektor.
Malaki ang bulto ng nagrali. Ang daming magsasakang
nangunguna sa rali, galing sa ibat ibang lugar ng Luzon. Karamihan, nakatsinelas lang. Umabot ang rali hanggang sa sangandaan
ng Claro M. Recto at JP Rizal. Ito ang paanan ng tulay ng Mendiola, at ang maiikling kalsada ng Mendiola.
Nasa harap
kami ng UE, at ito na nga ang kahiya-hiyang unibersidad na ang harapan ay ginawang sine at mall. Walang dangal na ang pangunahing
harap ng unibersidad na kilala sa disenyong art deco ay biglang naging mall. May Jollibee rin sa bukana ng kampus.
Bigla
na lang may putukan sa harapan. Ang kalakhan ng nasa rali ay nagsipagdapaan sa kalsada. Nagtaka ako, nakisigaw ng Makibaka,
huwag matakot. At ilang mabilis na sandali pa ay nagkakandakumahog ang mga tao sa pagtakbo paatras. Naririnig kong nagpapatuloy
ang putukan. Sunud-sunod, parang armalite. Malakas at nakakapangilabot na ang amoy ng kumakalat na tear gas. Ang daming ginamit
ng militar kaya umamoy hanggang sa tinatakbuhan namin sa Recto. Tumungo kami sa gilid ng kalsada sa aming pagtakbo. Sa Recto
kasi, maliban sa unang palapag, ang ibang palapag ay nakalabas sa sidewalk. Inisip kong mas ligtas ito kaysa tumakbo sa mismong
kalsada.
Kumaliwa kami ng karipas sa Morayta tapos ay sa isang institute sa kabila ng Quezon Boulevard. Doon nagtipon
ang mga dinispers sa rali. Nagkaroon ng komand na tumungo sa Liwasang Bonifacio. Hindi pa malinaw na marami na palang namatay
at nangasugatan sa paanan ng Mendiola.
Sa Liwasang Bonifacio, nagsimula rin ang programa. Kabado ang marami pero nagpatuloy
pa rin ang nagsasalita sa ibabaw ng jeep. Biglang may pulutong ng militar na sumunod sa Liwasang Bonifacio. Patuloy pa rin
ang pagbatikos sa dispersal ng nagsasalita. Nagsimula muli ang putukan. Hanggang dito ba naman ay sistematikong dinidispers
ang rali? Tumakbo kami sa likod ng Post Office, umabot sa likod ng National Press Club.
Mangilan-ngilan na lang kami
at natagpuan namin ang aming sarili na nasa ibabaw ng nakadaong na barge sa Pasig River. Mahapdi na ang mga mata namin dahil
sa dami ng tear gas na pinasabog para matiyak ang pangalawang dispersal. May nakaisip na sumalok ng tubig sa ilog at gamitin
ito para basain ang panyo at ipantapal sa mata. Naisip kong hindi nga kami mamamatay sa putok ng baril, mamamatay naman kami
sa tetano dahil sa dumi ng tubig. Pero ito o lalo pang humapdi ang mga mata?
Sumakay akong papunta ng Faura at doon
ay sumakay ng jeep pauwi sa Mandaluyong. May komand na huwag matulog sa sariling bahay, bilang pag-iingat sa hindi natatantiyang
pangyayari. Nakitulog ako sa kaibigan sa Makati. Tinatawid ng bangka ang bahaging ito ng Pasig River para makarating sa bahay
ng kaibigan ko. Mainit ang sabaw ng nilagang butu-buto. At totoo namang sabaw na lang ang naging ulam ko dahil biglaan ang
aking pagdating. Ikinuwento ko ang pangyayari sa kaibigan kong manunulat at siya man ay may balita batay sa nasagap niya sa
radyo at telebisyon. Nakinig din kami ng radyo bago ako natulog sa sala.
Dalawang beses pang mauulit ang mahabang
araw na may kinalaman sa Mendiola. Una ay ang libing ni Rolando Olalia, mga anim na buwan pa lamang matapos ng matagumpay
na People Power. Mula sa UP Chapel at bago ilibing sa sementeryo sa Mandaluyong, idinaan ang bangkay ni Olalia at ng kasamang
pinaslang nito sa Mendiola. Ikalawa ay ilang buwan lamang matapos ng tinawag na Mendiola Massacre, inilibing naman ang pinaslang
na lider estudyante na si Lean Alejandro. Mula UP Chapel, nagmartsa ang daan-daang libo sa Mendiola bago ihinatid sa Malabon.
Ang Mendiola ay dambana ng kontemporaryong pakikibaka ng mga mamamayan. Dito sa kanyang paanan, namumulat ang daan-daang
libong nakikibahagi sa kolektibong karanasan sa kilusang pakikibaka. Dito sila inaalay, namumulat, idinadaan bago ilibing,
nagiging martir at anak ng bayan. Dito sinisingil ang tampok na simbolo ng Estado. Ang maikling daan ng Mendiola& sa pagitan
ng magkabilang dulo ng Malakanyang at sambayanan ay ang saksi sa digmaang-Estado.
_____________________________________________
mendiola ng buhay natin(read it on the Pinoy Weekly)
SHORT FOR SAYING SHUT UP!
November 4, 2007
This is with regard to the Freedom Mural at the National
Press Club, or NPC, depicting the state of social realities of the Philippines and its connection to the continuous fight
for the advancement and defense of Press Freedom and other basic Rights of the people such as Freedom of Expression, Association,
etc.
The National Press Club Leadership is virtually licking the boot of the Arroyo administration by censoring the
Collective Artwork of the Neo Angono Artists Collective.
What the present NPC Leadership has done isnt simply a misunderstanding,
but a clear Bastardization of what is happening, as we saw in the front page of the PDI dated Nov 4, 2007. It is not leftist,
rightist nor centrist but a clear manifestation of what has occurred in the pages of history, what is currently happening
around our society. Isnt it ironic that on the occasion of the NPCs 55th year anniversary, the tyrants cult are presently
at the helm of the institutions leadership.
This simpliest form of coercion and censorship by the leadership of the
NPC mirrors the situation when this administration goes rampant with political killings, abductions, political persecutions,
political & economic repression. Their actions speak louder than their words: a simple case of puppetry. The leadership
of the NPC has proven that it has no more ascendancy to speak regarding the RIGHTS OF PRESS FREEDOM, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
& FREEDOM OF INFORMATION.
The people in the NPC leadership responsible for such an outrage should no longer represent
the National Press Club, but the National Propaganda & Censorship Club under the Malacanang Office of the Press Secretary,
or the Gloria Arroyo Fans Club.
We, at Tambisan sa Sining, our friends in the field of arts take our side with our
sisters & brothers in the Neo Angono Artists Collective.
Denounce the systematic attacks on our civil & political
rights! Dislodge the malacañang tyrants and their puppets! Genuinely assert Press Freedom & Freedom of Expression!
We
stand and will fight!
Tambisan
sa Sining
_______________________________________________________________
Collaborative Arts Exhibit at
Liongoren Art Gallery
The Tambisan sa Sining, Inc. has opened its collaborative arts
exhibit entitled - - Mga Pahina't Kwadro Alay sa Manggagawa, from February 28 to March 6, 2007. The exhibit is open for the
public and all art afficionados at the Liongoren Art Gallery located at 111 New York Corner Harvard street, Cubao Quezon City.
The exhibit is a collaboration of renowned visual artists and poets participated by Neil Doloricon, Egay Fernandez-Talusan,
Manny Garibay, Mark Justiniani, Orlando Castillo, Boy Dominguez, Gene de Loyola, Ed Manalo, Gelacio Guillermo, Richard Gappi.
Alexander Martin Remollino, and many more. The work of the poet Axel Pinpin, one of the political detainees known as the Tagaytay
5, will also be featured in the exhibit.
The exhibit is the third of a series of the Pagpupugay (Mga Likhang Sining
na Parangal sa Kilusang Manggagawa), a Silver Anniversary celebratory project of Tambisan sa Sining Inc. (Interaction in the
Arts, Inc.). The Pagpupugay is sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
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