The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) noted the huge turnout at the Black Nazarene feast at Quiapo yesterday and said that it is a sign of the hard times our country is undergoing. “Filipinos may now be less pessimistic based on the IBON survey but the over 1 million people on the Nazarene feast is a testament to the desperate situation of our country-men. As can be seen when people cannot rely on institutions like the government to work for their legitimate interests, they turn to God or other avenues so that their lot can improve,” said Ka Willy Marbella, spokesperson of the group.
 
“Some may dismiss the huge turn-out as nothing but a result of the feast falling on a Sunday, but when we assess the whole situation this is the result of 4 years of hardship under the Macapagal-Arroyo administration. A strong feeling of resentment is brewing among the populace on the repressive and oppressive policies of Malacanang and the feast serves as an avenue to call for help for our nation,” added the peasant leader.

Meanwhile Carl Anthony Ala, public information officer of KMP, “if this plea comes unheeded then the people themselves will act to alleviate the suffering that they are experiencing and that is through the ouster of President Macapagal-Arroyo and the establishment of a coalition government that would composed of all the progressive and patriotic sections of our society,”

“As the saying goes “nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa” and the people are now staring to do their part. By seeing that the government would only pass laws and policies to the detriment of the majority of the people, our countrymen are awakened of the true character of the state. Our concerted and militant efforts are now increasing and eventually it can topple this corrupt and bankrupt regime, to be replaced by a new one which will cater to the needs of the majority,” ended Ala. # # #

KMP - 10 January 2005