The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chided Sen. Joker Arroyo for becoming an apologist of the beleaguered president. The senator has for two consecutive days launched verbal assaults on the Left and the opposition calling for the ouster of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 

According to Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general of KMP, “ maybe the good senator has a severe case of amnesia or the years are catching up with him. Doesn’t he remember that it was the Left who was the biggest political force who fought the Marcos dictatorship from 1969 to 1986.It is 17 years filled with sacrifices and heroism of the national democratic forces? He is doing a grave disservice to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of true democracy and freedom,”

“Ka Pepe Diokno, Ka Lorenzo Tanada, Chino Roces and even Ninoy would turn on their graves if they hear what Senator Arroyo is saying now. It is almost inconceivable but as it is, we hope that the good senator comes to his senses and be back to his activist self who always sides with the people,” added Ramos.

“As for the Constitution, did Sen. Arroyo also forget that both EDSAs where extra-constitutional and are also massive protest rallies, that toppled despotic and corrupt regimes. Now it seems that the good senator is on the other side of the fence and barking at the people whose role he played decades ago,” added the peasant leader.

Meanwhile Carl Anthony Ala, public information officer of the group said, “we think that it would be easier to accept if the senator indeed has amnesia or gone senile than be a conscious and active part of an administration that cheated the elections and wishes to perpetuate itself in power. That is a complete turnaround of what he was and a great disappointment to the Filipino people. We do hope that he wakes up soon,”

“If not then his retrogression will be complete for he has become what he fought against years ago. Simply put the common people would label him “tumanda ng walang pinagkatandaan,” ended Ala. # # #
 

KMP - 5 July 2005