By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau, San Francisco and Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America Bureau, New York
.
A day after President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address, Filipino-American activists from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York and New Jersey held simultaneous demonstrations protesting Aquino’s presidency.
Last night, activists in San Francisco held a protest march all the way to the Philippine Consulate.
These FilAm protesters say while they’re giving Aquino a chance to prove his worth as president, they’re also keeping a watchful eye on him.
Bernadette Herrera of the Samahan ng mga Kababaihan said, “Kailangan mapagbantay ang mga mamamayan. Kung may maganda siyang ginawa, suportahan natin. Pero kung may masama siyang ginawa, kailangan nating tuligsain para ma-remind siya na baguhin ang mali.” (We need to stay vigilant. If he does something right, we need to support him. But if he does something wrong, we need to hold him accountable.)
These activists say enough with the talk. They want action. They want to know if Aquino can truly champion all Filipinos, especially those working overseas.
Terry Valen of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns said, “We’re going to continue voicing our opinions as long as human rights violations are being committed, as long as overseas workers are being exploited, as long as immigration reform is not happening here in the United States, and Aquino does nothing about it.”
To be able to do his job as president, these FilAm activists say Aquino needs to stop dwelling on the past administration’s faults.
Elaine Villasper of Gabriela-USA said, “He spent so much time blaming Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during his State of the Nation Address. We were waiting for his plan. What is he going to do to find money for the Philippines, to lower poverty line, to answer these issues that he says Arroyo left him?”
These FilAm activists say instead of talking about corruption among politicians, Aquino needs to keep track of government spending.
Joshua Castro of Bayan USA said, “If there is discrepancy as to where the money is spent, then there should be an investigative process to make sure that the money is accounted for. There are plenty of resources but we have to make sure that the money is spent properly and it goes where it’s supposed to go.”
Meantime, FilAm activists in New York and New Jersey say Aquino may have a lot riding on his shoulders right now, but the country’s future is at stake.
They held a protest last night in the heart of the Filipino community in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Protesters say Aquino’s State of the Nation Address lacks the teeth they were hoping for and does not include the demands they were asking from him.
Gary Labao of Bayan USA said, “Unang-una, narinig natin ang matamis na talumpati ng bagong administrasyong Aquino, subalit nalulungkot kami dahil malaki ang kakulangan sa kanyang mga pangako.” (We have heard those promises from Aquino before. But we are disheartened that there is so much lacking in his promises.)
Yves Nibungco of Bayan USA added, “Unang una po wala po rito ang mga tunay na programa para tigilan yung pag-migrate ng mga kababayan natin dahil wala diyan yung job creation, national industrialization, yung genuine agrarian reform, at yung pagpapanagot kay Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.” (There are no programs to stop the migration of our fellow Filipinos. There are no programs on job creation, national industrialization, genuine agrarian reform and holding Arroyo accountable for her past administration’s errors.)
Hanalei Ramos, a Gabriela USA member said that if President Aquino feels weighed down by the mess created by the former President, then he should start investigating and prosecuting Arroyo, “GMA needs to be held accountable for all the atrocious human rights violations that have accumulated over the last 9 years.”
This group also wants the U.S. forces completely out of the homeland by junking the Visiting Forces Agreement.
Meantime, a Jersey City resident who happened to see the protest said it’s premature to grade a new President’s job performance at this time since it’s only been a month since Aquino took office. “Alam mo ang mga tao walang patience, It doesn’t take overnight para mabago mo ang iyong country.”(People have no patience. It doesn’t take overnight to change the country.)
These Filipino activist groups in New York and New Jersey vow to keep a close watch on President Aquino’s every step… to remain vigilant and to keep the pressure on the president until all their demands are finally met.
.
Red Letter Days: Big Savings On Experiences – Make Someones Day Special|Great For Team Building!…
I found your entry interesting thus I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog
…
those people are another kind of illiterate person that dont know how to read and write …..
Batikos kayo ng batikos na hindi niyo naman alam kung anong ibinabatikos niyo .dahil ba wala na sa pwuesto si amo ninyong si Gloria Macapalmukha Arroyo ninyo ?mga walang hiya kayo ……
Pagpasensyahan na lang ninyo ang mga nagpoprotesta kasi nga sila ang mga pinoy na walang alam kundi mangguloakala naman nila may magagawa ang pinas pag ininvade tayo..
My countrymen wake up! We must face the truth that we can’t defend our country if we let uncle sam leave or kick them out. Ano ang gagamitin natin, tirador? Wala tayong sophisticated na armas! Com’on don’t be foolish enough pretending that we can stand from any invasion! Wake up kababayan!
@Concerned citizen.
Ikaw na rin ang nagsabi na…
“extra judicial killings (many of our members have been killed for doing the same activities we do here in America-look what happened to Melissa Roxas or what happened to the Morong 43. All they have to say is “they’re NPA” and that gives them the green light to kill priests, students, farmers, workers, journalist, nanays, tatays, lolos, lolas etc. We’re human being too and of course we don’t want to die just for voicing out our concerns”
Sa makatuwid kaya kayo pumunta ng America para iwanan ang magulong sibilisasyon, at para mamuhay ng tahimik at matiwasay na may masaganang buhay, pero bagkus dito nyo pa dinala ang mga pag-aalsa nyo na dapat sana ay naiwan nyo na sa Pilipinas.
Kung ganyan din lang ang katuwiran nyo eh bakit di na lang sana kayo bumalik ng Pilipinas dahil doon maipaglalaban nyo ang mga katanungang hinahanapan ninyo ng kasagutan sa mga problemang tinatahak ng Pilipinas sa ngayon at sa nagdaang panahon pati sa mga darating pang panahon.
@Concerned citizen.
“Unfortunately we have been displaced from our beloved Philippines because of the many problems that have been occurring for decades up until now. Some of us go back home and some of us stay for various reasons: financial (where can we find a decent job in the Philippines)”
Yun naman pala eh, eh bakit di nyo na lang asikasuhin ang inyong mga pangangailangan sa buhay di yung nagno-noise barrage pa kayo sa mga lansangan ng ibang-ibang States particular na sa California para lang ipaabot ang inyong mga hinaing sa Pilipinas?
“We’re human being too and of course we don’t want to die just for voicing out our concerns”
Yun naman pala eh ayaw ninyong mamatay o malagasan kayo ng mga kaalyansa nyo nang dahil lang sa pakikipagpalitan ninyo ng kuro-kuro sa lansangan.
Naiintindihan ko ang mga ipinaglalaban nyo pero sana kung maari sa Pinas nyo dalhin lahat ang mga yan, di yun nakikita ko kayo sa TV na mga nakaharang sa mga gilid ng mga tindahan or establisimiyento ng mga Amerikano o kaya dalhin nyo yan sa isang “Park” na kasama ang mga media dahil doon tyak na wala kayong maiistorbong ibang tao na di gaya nang nasa mga gilid kayo ng mga establisimiyento nakaharang lahat.
@concerned citizen. Although you have said enough. And I respect your opinion. I do disagree with you about “Sovereignty”. What’s wrong with the US military visiting PI when they are also there to help defeat Abu sayaf. Our own military is not enough and incompetent to deal with this issue. I’ve seen enough during the kidnapping of the “Burhams”. Corruption, weak military and too much bureaucracy.
to all pilipino citizen our new president can do so much we have to do our own too. our president is just new elect gave him a break,first of all we have to be honest to our selves as i said before our new president is young and need our help,we have to remember his mom&dad sacrifise and late president cory win the democracy for us pilipino its good enough,now the son we have to gave him a chance please this is not easy task.imagine he has to correct all the wrong doing he is not even his fault.all i asked is how about we gother all of us and help noynoy to fulfill what ever he said and the mean help is pray everysingle day so that we commit the peace and changes that we want all pilipino.we need help please no more pride just help us to change the corruption and anything else.god bless you all.
@annette I’m not sure what you define the extent of the responsibilities are for what a President should be doing but I thought the reasons why someone aspires to be the Head of State is to address the concerns of their citizens. So in an attempt to be responsible and active citizens and supporters of democracy in the Philippines, BAYAN USA responds with the following:
“Demonstrators will express their concern about the continuing human rights violations targeting activists, as well as present the “People’s Agenda for National Survival.” The Agenda includes specific recommendations to increase the “4K’s”:
• Katarungan [Justice] – investigate and prosecute Gloria Arroyo and all perpetrators of human rights violations; free the Morong 43 and all political prisoners; justice for victims of human rights violations
• Kalayaan [Sovereignty] – terminate the U.S.-R.P. Visiting Forces Agreement; eject all foreign military personnel from the Philippines; repeal the Mining Act of 1995
• Karapatan [Rights] – end state-sponsored violence; stop the killings of activists; terminate Operation Plan Bantay Laya and all counter-insurgency programs; advocate for the rights of Filipino migrants abroad including comprehensive immigration reform in the U.S.
• Kabuhayan [Livelihood] – institute a living wage increase; end the Value Added Tax on basic commodities; implement a genuine agrarian reform program; scrap the unfair stock distribution option
Since President Aquino now has the power to deal and negotiate these problems the people need to be clear on what concerned citizens would like a President of the people to address. Millions of people voted for Pres. Aquino in the hopes he can alleviate the pain and suffering of our people and it is up to him if he chooses to take action and they are merely voicing their demands. I don’t think that it takes “an act of god” to address these basic things that many democratic countries currently enjoy. Is it really that bad to ask why can’t Filipinos enjoy the same quality of life as other people? The perspective is that the 4Ks will solidly if not wholly address the uphill battle towards a healthy Philippines.
And to respond to one of your comments, “Protesta kayo nang protesta but nothing happens.”, should they stop and do nothing? Should people just watch even though they know something is wrong? To clarify, all rallies are not the same: some rallies are to protest a particular issue and some are to voice concerns to raise the awareness of the issue. I think this rally was of the latter but what all rallies have in common is that it creates a space for the common folk to dialogue and present ideas. It is a place where the people who don’t have the power can let their voice be heard. It would be rare for a President to directly address our concerns so because the masa does not have the power they use people power and take to the streets.
@gerry p Thanks for your perspective. Your questions remind me of the questions I use to ask to myself, “What’s wrong with these people? Why are they yelling out in the streets? Why do they spend so much time caring about this or that?” Then I had to dig deep within myself and ask myself why I didn’t care and why I didn’t know what was going on around me. I think “reklamo” often gets mistaken for being “critical”. I believe being critical is fundamental to ensure a good future for ourselves and our children. Being critical is what most educational institutions teach to become smart and successful individuals. I would definitely be side by side with you in celebrating how great the Philippines is if everyone felt the way things are now is okay. I’d actually have a couple red horses with you if things like education, health, housing, employment, human rights, were afforded to every Filipino. And regarding your comment, “bakit ndi kayo gumawa ng hakbang para makatulong sa gobyerno hindi un puro kayo batikos.” I think that is what Bayan Muna and Gabriela has been doing but if you follow what is happening they are getting killed by the hundreds. Still, they have the resoluteness to continue as do other activist do as well. As I write this I recognize I’m just like anyone else who has an opinion but doesn’t take action. I’m what they call an “armchair activist” or “cyber activist” – someone who shares their opinion freely without any accountability unlike the activists mentioned in the above article who put their names on statements or articles everyday knowing they can be assassinated at any time under the counterinsurgency program of the Philippines “Oplan Bantay Laya”. I think it is less likely to happen here in the states but it has happened before – please refer to Gene Viernes and Silme Domingo are slain in Seattle on June 1, 1981 for being critical of the Marcos regime. I think the frontline activists’ bravery should be commended. The more I talk of my cowardliness I am inspired to work on it and aspire to take that step to be brave enough to stand up against the oppressors alongside the frontline activists. Until then, I will do my part to clarify and do what I can to defend what the frontline activists are trying to do. I also will call out activists who are doing the wrong things but you see how this can be so subjective without the correct forum and accountability so I will just offer my opinions. But right now, I think they are on the correct side of history as it is being written and hope you feel you are on the correct side of history as well.
puro kayo reklamo. bakit ndi kayo gumawa ng hakbang para makatulong sa gobyerno hindi un puro kayo batikos. ano palagay nyo sa gobyerno madyikero? na sa isang pitik mabibigay na lahat ng gusto nyo?
First of all, I do not speak for any of the people or organizations above mentioned article and I am speaking for myself. I am not an authority/expert on the topic but like you I would like to share my opinion.
@Anonymous I respect your opinion but we are the sons and daughters of the Philippines too but unfortunately we have been displaced from our beloved Philippines because of the many problems that have been occurring for decades up until now. Some of us go back home and some of us stay for various reasons: financial (where can we find a decent job in the Philippines) and extra judicial killings (many of our members have been killed for doing the same activities we do here in America-look what happened to Melissa Roxas or what happened to the Morong 43. All they have to say is “they’re NPA” and that gives them the green light to kill priests, students, farmers, workers, journalist, nanays, tatays, lolos, lolas etc. We’re human being too and of course we don’t want to die just for voicing out our concerns so we do what we can so not only Filipinos understand what is going on in the Philippines but also our fellow Americans.). Bottom line some of us in the States would rather do something than nothing about the challenges the Philippines is facing.
@Alex of TN. I think there is a misunderstanding. The issue is not immigration, I think what Nibungco was saying is that Pres. Aquino did not address the ongoing economic crisis that forces many of our kababayans to go abroad. Any attempt to resolve any of the many problems in the homeland is to at least recognize what causes them and if they can do that they can begin to find a solution for them.
@Rowena It’s diffic to be patient when 5 activists and 1 journalist have been killed already and he has only been in office for less than a month. He needs to make a firm statement saying that these killing are unacceptable in a “civilized” world. I’m sorry po but it’s 2010 and we are still getting killed because we want a better Philippines.
@Frank Comendador With all due respect Mr. Comendador, most if not all of us have a job (98% of us but if it weren’t for the current US economic crisis it would be 100%) but what we choose to do with our time after work hours is struggle for a better Philippines and also improve our lives here in the U.S. I’m not sure what your interpretation of “volunteering” is but I believe that holding the “powers that be” accountable for their actions would fit into that definition some where. Regarding your question “Why don’t you make a big deal against the Marcoses who stole money and still has them.”, well we do make a big deal of that but the media determines, picks, and chooses what to cover on issues we voice our concerns about(some people would like to focus on where Lebron James plays rather than focus on issues that really matter). Although I feel your comment , “I suggest you get a real job and start being aware of your soroundinds and maybe then the reality of life will sink into your head.” is very subjective, we are aware of our surroundings and because we are aware we choose to be critical. Also, we do have real jobs (we work as professors, elementary and high school teachers, and we also work in non-profit organizations, government, private sector and so on). Now regarding your comment, “Well people wake up and smell the coffee maybe then you will realize things are not easy.” I agree, nothing is easy and that’s why we are as determined to fight for a just and free Philippines as Noy is determined to keep Hacienda Luisita!
I encourage anyone reading this to also be critical because if we aren’t we are just as much to blame as those trapos who continue to plunder Pilipinas into oblivion.
Bakit kailangang sa lupa ng mga Americano kayo magpo protesta para ipaabot ang inyong mga mensahe sa bagong administration ng Pilipinas? Bakit di kayo umuwi sa Pilipinas at doon nyo gawin ang mga yan? Nakakahiya ang mga pinaggagawa nyo na sa Bansa pa ng mga Americano nyo ipinakikita ang mga pag-u-ugali nyo! Mas makakabuting maghanap na lang kayo ng ikabubuhay nyo at di yung puro pagpoprotesta ang mga inaatupag nyo!
Earth to protestors. Mga wala kayong magawa sa buhay ninyo. Instead of giving support and encouragement to the new president, kayo ang nagbibigay nang dahilan kung bakit maraming corrupt sa Phil. Government. Kahit si superman hindi magagawa ang gusto ninyong gawin ni Aquino. Only God can do all the things that you want Aquino to accomplish. No matter how straight and honest the sitting President is, kung corrupt ang Senate and Congress you are hopeless. Yes, you elect different Presidents all the time, pero the same corrupt people is in the Senate and Congress and in almost all of the other government agencies like COMELEC, OMBUDSMAN etc. Protesta kayo nang protesta but nothing happens. Kayo ba nagprotesta against Marcos and Arroyo. If you did, may nangyari ba. These are the two most corrupt goverment under their Administration. So please use your heads before you do anything. Ang lalakas nang loog ninyong mag-protesta, wala nanam kayong ginagawa para sa progress nang Pilipinas. Kung mayroon kayong dapat bantayan ay walang iba kundi yung mga corrupt officials in all the goverment branches. Use your common sense people.
What does the President of the Philippines got to do with immigration reform here. He has no jurisdiction here. This is not under Philippine law. I know what he can do. Beg those pilipino’s staying here illegaly to go home.
please be patient every one
Mr. Comendador, thank you for voicing your suggestions and concerns.
I agree 100% that we continue to pursue the Marcoses. As a matter of fact, we are continuously pursuing the Marcoses.
Also, I agree that Mr. Aquino can’t change things over night nor change it without the support of the people. That is why we are helping him by voicing out our suggestions and concerns, just like what you are doing right now.:)
and if you want to learn more about what we do, you can visit http://www.bayan.ph and http://www.bayanusa.org
Anyways, I just don’t know where you got the idea that we don’t have real jobs and that we are not aware of our surroundings. We are common people just like you who are concerned enough to make a stand.:)
People, go get a job. You are in America concentrate on your personal issues. It seems you people don’t have better things to do than criticizing the new Aquino administration. Give him a chance. He just got elected. He can’t change the country overnight. Specially whe the Philippines has been ruined since the Marcoses. Why don’t you make a big deal against the Marcoses who stole money and still has them. You are concentrating on the wrong issues and wrong people. Is it because Filipinos are forgettable and would rather choose to fight the easier battle? Well people wake up and smell the coffee maybe then you will realize things are not easy. Noy can’t possibly change this crook administrations without any support from his people, such as your no nonsense group. I suggest you get a real job and start being aware of your soroundinds and maybe then the reality of life will sink into your head. Do something constructive like volunteering.