The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) sounded the call that this is the beginning of the end of the Macapagal-Arroyo regime; this mobilization is a testament to the extreme isolation of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the Filipino people. Crowd estimate is between 20,000 to 25,000 people and to date would be the largest anti-Arroyo rally to be held. 

According to Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general of the group, “large as it is this is just the beginning, more and bigger rallies are being prepared to oust Gloria from power. This is just a muscle-flexing exercise of the anti-Arroyo forces. Just she wait when peasants from all over the country flock to Manila to kick her out of Malacanang,”

“The main requisites for ousting Gloria are now falling into place and her silence regarding the Gloriagate issue is expediting and abetting these factors. It is now just a matter of time,” added the peasant leader.

Meanwhile Ka Willy Marbella, internal deputy secretary of KMP reacted to Ret. Gen. Fortunato Abat’s statement that their march to Malacanang tomorrow would be their first and last gathering. Saying that if it does not succeed, it will be a symbol of their defeat. 

According to Marbella, “this is just the early phase of Gloria’s ouster and Gen. Abat should not be pessimistic for the future looks bright for the Filipino people when Gloria is gone. We are glad that many forces are now speaking up and mobilizing against Gloria and Gen. Abat is welcome to come and join us,”

“The victory against Gloria will not be decided by a single mobilization alone, it depends upon a number of factors and they have to be fulfilled for us to be successful. Perseverance is indeed needed in this endeavor,” ended Marbella. # # #
 

KMP - 24 June 2005