The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) scored the government anew for the phenomenon of massive unemployment in our country thereby forcing our compatriots to look for greener pastures abroad. “This is the situation which is a major factor why Angelo dela Cruz was abducted. The government does not provide secure and decent jobs in our country,” said Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general of the group. 

The government says that we have an 11-13% rate of unemployment but in reality it is closer to 50-60% because most of what the regime is counting as full time jobs are actually contractual jobs, even takatak boys are counted as employed, double counting is also an issue because the same person who 4 jobs in a year may be counted as 4 jobs.

“We are happy for the family of Angelo that many have come forward to help them, they now have a house and lot, a 1.5-2 hectare farmland supposedly to be given by the DAR, some money. Recently, Sen Jamby Madrigal even volunteered to educate and train the children and relatives of Angelo so that they will not rely on dole-outs and of being OFWs. But what is sad about this is that if Angelo was not abducted could this have happened? Some OFWs are now saying that maybe it is better to be abducted because their family would have almost instant benefits,” added Ramos.

“The government should be the one to provide jobs to its citizens and it must develop our own industries, because if we rely on foreign investments we would be left with nothing and an army of unemployed if they leave. Our economy would also be held hostage by their interests,” explained Ramos.

“In the final analysis the government is the one responsible is the cause of Angelo dela Cruz’s ordeal, not only because of a wrong foreign policy and supporting an unjust war, but because it cannot provide jobs to its citizens. The only things that it did in this aspect is to make promises,” ended Ramos. # # #
 

KMP - 18 July 2004