NEWS RELEASE - 29 January 2004

Reference: Maita Santiago,
Secretary General

The biggest alliance of groups composed of overseas Filipinos and their families today denounced their ex-Chair(person), Apostol 'Poe' M. Gratela and President Gloria (Macapagal-Arroyo) as prime examples of political opportunists.

“It’s the height of hypocrisy for Poe to proclaim that Gloria works for the interests of OFWs and their relatives. It would have been closer to the truth if he just got down and licked her boots,” said Maita Santiago, Migrante International Secretary-General.

“Poe submitted his resignation to us last November citing economic difficulties. Perhaps now that he’s all praises for Gloria, his financial problems are addressed,” said Santiago.

Gratela is among the founding members of Migrante International and up until he gave his resignation letter, he was a fiery critic of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

“For him to now change his tune completely only shows that like his current master, Gloria – Poe’s a trapo who’s quick to sacrifice what’s best for the OFWs and the people in exchange for his personal gain,” she added.

“Since she took office, Gloria proved numerous times that for her, the grief and sacrifices of migrants are nothing but photo-opportunities. And clearly, she won’t hesitate to use other political opportunists like herself in her bid to be elected – even if it means confusing OFWs and the people,” said Santiago.

According to Santiago, instead of clarifying and promoting the rights of migrants this election, Poe’s creation of a pro-Gloria migrant group is a disservice to OFWs.

“There is absolutely no way that migrants and their families will benefit under Gloria. For example, Gloria and her puppets are now trying to ram through various schemes that will prevent thousands of OFWs and their relatives from accessing welfare assistance and other benefits,” she said, citing the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Omnibus Policies.

“If Gloria thinks Poe’s endorsement will boost her presidential bid, she is deeply mistaken. Poe has exposed himself as a political opportunist who’s isolated from the people. He has no more credibility with OFWs,” she added.

“This May 2004, make no mistake about it – migrants and their families will do everything to junk Gloria at the polls,” concluded Santiago. #