The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) aired this warning call to the people, that payola money may flood both houses of Congress for the passage of the value added tax (VAT) bill. 

According to Ka Willy Marbella, spokesperson of the group, “this is a proven tactic of Malacanang and may explain its cocksure demeanor regarding the passage of the unpopular bill, even saying that its passage is guaranteed.  As it is, money talks, and we hope that our lawmakers would rise to the occasion and junk the bill,”

“The Macapagal-Arroyo administration used this tactic before and in all likelihood it will use it again this time. In June 2001, when the president was hell bent on passing the Electrical Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), many solons testified that indeed payola money from Malacanang was flooding the halls of Congress, now it is not far off that it would have a repeat performance,” added the peasant leader.

As for his part Carl Anthony Ala, public information officer of KMP, “if I remember correctly P50, 000 was given to congressmen who just attended the session then and P100, 000 was given to those who voted in favor of the bill. Now when a quorum would most likely be a problem for the special session. This would be an incentive for unscrupulous lawmakers in both Houses to make a fast buck,”

“This payola money can be likened to the 30 silver pieces that Judas received when he betrayed Jesus Christ but this time the monetary value and the scope of the betrayal is higher. The Holy Week may be over but the suffering of the Filipino seems to be never ending,” ended Ala. # # #
 

KMP - 29 March 2005