MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / July 20, 2013) – Seven lawmakers, who belong to the so-called “Makabayan bloc,” split from the majority coalition in the House of Representatives and vowed to oppose President Benigno Aquino’s deceptive policies.
The lawmakers – Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares; Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan; ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio; Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap; Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus; Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate and Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon – said they will also vote for San Juan District Rep. Ronnie Zamora as minority leader.
“We, seven party list representatives comprising the Makabayan bloc in Congress, announce today our decision to bolt from the majority coalition in the House of Representatives and join the minority to sharpen our opposition against the anti-Filipino and anti-people policies and program of the Aquino administration,” a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner said.
“Three years is enough for the nation to conclude that the Aquino regime’s real bosses are not the people but the United States, the foreign and local monopolists and the landed oligarchy,” it said.
The decision of the lawmakers to bolt the majority coalition came ahead of Aquino’s State of the Nation Address.
The lawmakers said they will oppose the legislative agenda and policies of the Aquino administration which favor foreign banks and corporations, big business, landlords and corrupt bureaucrats, and instead press for meaningful economic, political and socials reforms.
“We believe that we can more effectively unmask and oppose Aquino’s anti-Filipino, anti-people and deceptive policies as part of the minority. We vow to vigorously resist Aquino’s rabid subservience to U.S. military and economic impositions, including the return of U.S. military bases,” the statement said.
The legislators said they will reject moves by Aquino’s allies in Congress to amend the Constitution to institutionalize globalization and extend term limits of elected officials.
“We will fight Aquino’s policies to continue and further liberalize the economy, privatize public utilities and deregulate prices,” they said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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