Gloria Step Down Movement launched
People Power reaffirmed to oust Arroyo
If impeachment fails to remove Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, militants say people power remains viable.
In its national assembly and launching, Sept. 3, the Gloria Step Down Movement (GSM) reaffirmed people power as the most effective means to oust a fake, corrupt and anti-people regime. More than 500 leaders and members of GSM chapters and networks attended the assembly at the Quezon City Sports Club.
Dr. Reynalso Lesaca, GSM convenor, said, ?If members of the House of Representatives cease to be representatives of the people begin to be mere representatives of Malaca�ang, the people have no one to rely on but themselves.?
Lesaca said whether or not the opposition gets 79 signatures for the impeachment, the GSM will expand and intensify various forms of action to bear pressure on the Arroyo administration and thwart its attempts to plong its stay in power.?
The GSM is a loose network of individuals and groups calling for Arroyo?s resignation and/or ouster. Since the outbreak of Gloriagate scandals, the GSM has led and joined major protest actions in the country?s major cities and provinces. The biggest anti-Arroyo rally yet mounted was during Arroyo?s State of the Nationa Address. Sixty-thousand to 80,000 joined the rally in Manila. Thousands more joined the protest in other key cities.
Moreover, Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), said the campaign to oust Arroyo is gaining ground. Reyes presented the GSM campaign report, noting the rapid expansion of local chapters and the increasing number of people joining mass actions. He also cited many sectoral groups aligned with the GSM.
While reaffirming the tradition of people power, the GSM believes that cosmetic reforms are not enough such as what had happened after Edsa 1 and Edsa 2. Dr. Carol Araullo, BAYAN chairperson, discussed the formation of a transition council as the alternative to the Arroyo presidency. Araullo said the marginalized sectors must be represented in the council.
Danilo Ramos, secretary general of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and Elmer Labog, chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, presented the people?s agenda for the transition council. (See People?s Agenda)
Lesaca said Arroyo must expect a storm of protests this month. ?The people are determined to have a glorious Christmas without Gloria Arroyo in Malaca�ang.? The GSM is preparing for yet another big rally on Sept. 21, anniversary of the declaration of martial law.