News Release

July 18, 2011

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan today called on Malacanang not to dismiss the grievances raised by now retired Navy officer Col. Generoso Mariano because these are legitimate concerns.

“It’s just very convenient for Malacanang to simply dismiss the issues raised by Mariano as an Arroyo ploy, without even acknowledging that these are real problems faced by ordinary people. The Palace simply branded Mariano as an Arroyo lackey,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

Bayan said that it is still debatable if Mariano’s statements could even be considered seditious, noting that there was no call made for the violent overthrow of the existing government.

“We do not know and cannot speculate yet on the motive or the circumstances that led to Mariano speaking out. It’s hard to speculate on his organizational affiliation or leanings. It does not speak well of the Aquino government to simply label the incident as an Arroyo ploy instead of responding to the legitimate grievances of rising poverty, high prices and hunger. It sets a bad precedent for others who are critical of the government’s policies,” Reyes said.

“Valid criticisms should not be reduced as an Arroyo plot against Aquino. That’s just too simplistic. The least they could have done was let Mariano explain why he made such a message,” he added.

Over the weekend, Palace spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Mariano seemed to be “saying the same thing” as the political opposition and said that he was free to work for Arroyo after his retirement from the military.

Bayan said that Mariano’s statement did not appear to call for the violent overthrow of the current government and that it appeared to be more of a statement of frustration over the current regime. In his recorded message, Mariano said that “If this government has no intention or is not doing anything to save the life of the majority it is the right of every Filipino including soldiers to replace the government.”

“Mariano’s statements appear neither illegal nor seditious. However, the message has created a buzz because the one delivering the statement is a member of the military,” Reyes said.

“Instead of just trying to discredit Mariano, the current government should work to address the valid issues he raised. This is all the more important now since the President is to deliver his second State of the Nation Address. Even critics and analysts have found his first year to be wanting in terms of substantial achievements and reforms,” Reyes said. ###