Twenty women in TamilNadu have undertaken the strongest form of struggle -‘Fasting Unto Death’ for the past 10 days demanding Soniaji to stop the War in Srilanka and Stop Genocide of Tamil people. The condition of five women who are under fast are very critical .
In Sri Lanka , Everyday around 200 to 300 Tamil civilians are brutally killed and thousands are gravely injured by the pouring down of gruesome cluster bombs, chemical bombs and poison gas bombs both at war zones and government announced safety zones. Thousands of melted and charred bodies remain as strong witness of usage of such bombs. Most of the victims are women and small children.
When international agencies and press are evacuated from the country, whatever information we get is only a small portion of reality. From the news we receive everyday, we are shocked to know that in the recent past atleast 60,000 people have been massacred and 3,00,000 people face death everyday.
Close allies of the Sri Lankan Government has revealed Mr. Rajapakse’s plan of annihilating the lakhs of remaining Tamil people within days using the Indian election fever. The congress central government headed by Ms.Sonia Gandhi extends all possible supports including army, ammunitions and funds to Srilankan President Mr. Rajapakse’s motive of annihilating the entire Tamil Population. The parties in Tamil Nadu that were making noise for the innocent Tamil civilians have also jumped into election and many treacherously align with the congress.
The media was revealing very little of the grave situation at Srilanka found excuse to defocus people attention to election.
At this juncture, the women’s organisations in the state of Tamil Nadu, who are protesting in their own way for the past two months, got united and decided to intensify the struggle. So, ‘Fasting unto Death’ was decided and twenty women are undergoing this strenuous form of struggle since 13th April 2009.
On 22nd April it reached 10th day of fasting. The twenty women are very active women activists of the state. They are Prof.Saraswathy, Ms.Sheelu, Adv.PandimaDevi, Dr.Neelavalli, Ms.Kameswari, Ms.ChitraDevi, , Ms.Usharani. Ms.Kavitha, Ms.V.Sasikala, Ms.Ponnuthai, Ms.Sumathi, Ms.Paliniammal, Ms.Lokanayaki, Ms.Jayamani, Ms.Shanthi, Ms.LawarenceSelvi, Ms.Philomenal. Ms.Joyice Mary, Ms.P.Sasikala and Ms.J.Thangamani
In support of the fasting women, widespread agitation is going on throughout the state on everyday basis. Thousands of women involved in relay fast, road blockade, Dharna before congress office, rally and other forms and have got arrested. It’s the unique experience of united women’s massive struggle. In support of women, youth and citizens concerned about the issue have joined the struggle.
Eventhough the plight and agony of Eelam Tamils are worth receiving National and International community attention and support, it is left out as the concern of Tamil people alone. Though we human rights activists of Tamilnadu have responded to the human right violations in Gujarat, Bengal, Orissa, Afghan or Iraq , we painfully observe, the Tamils alone fail to receive the concern of other state human right activists and humanitarians. There is no visible protest against this gruesome genocide, the pogrom, next to Jews. The entire Indian people support and protest will definitely help to safeguard the remaining Tamil Population in Srilanka. Even one day delay in responding means death of thousands in the island. We strongly appeal on behalf of the Tamils to come forward with visible forms of protests and join us to save the Tamils. It is already late, please act on emergency basis. Your pressure on congress government at this juncture will help to stop the war in Srilanka.
Earnestly seeking your solidarity,
Lidwin – Women’s Collective
Christina – Penngal Munnani (Women’s Front)
Beulah - IWID
Lupang Hinirang, Lupang Hinarang: Citizens’ Signature Campaign for CARPER 21 April 2009
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by Atty. Kaka J. Bag-ao
Farmers Marched Against HR 737 to Protect the Right of Filipino Farmers to Own Lands
Farmers from Sumilao, Banasi and Calatagan marched from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City to the Batasan to protest the Congress’ deliberation of House Resolution (HR) 737 which seeks to allow the acquisition by foreign corporations and associations, and the transfer and conveyance, of alienable public and private lands. Instead, the farmers reiterated their demand to Congress to immediately deliberate CARP Extension with Reforms (House Bill 4077) and enact the same before its adjournment.
The 26 farmers walked with the message “PASS CARPER NOW” painted on their bodies, and staged a short program before the DAR and Congress together with other farmers from PAKISAMA, PKSK and PARAGOS. They also made a symbolic “burying” of anti-CARPER solons including Iggy Arroyo, Mikey and Datu Arroyo, Luis Villafuerte, Pablo Garcia, Alfredo Marañon, Crispin Remulla, Jeffrey Ferrer, Jose Lacson, Mark Cojuangco, Ebbie Apostol, Eufrocino Codilla, Sr., Jack Duavit, Pryde Teves and Bernard Piñol. DAR Secretary Pangandaman, who has failed to defend the farmers’ rights as agrarian reform secretary, was also buried with the anti-CARPER solons.
Incidentally, these anti-CARPER solons including Speaker Prospero Nograles are also the main proponents of HR 737. Last April 2, Speaker Nograles publicly expressed to prioritize the deliberation and enactment of CARPER before adjournment. House Bill 4077 has not yet been deliberated in the House since its resumption on April 13, yet, House Resolution 737 has been proceeding swiftly before the House. Sumilao Farmer Yoyong Merida laments, “Bakit uunahin ng pamahalaan ang pagbibigay ng lupa sa mga dayuhan samantalang karamihan sa ating mga magsasaka ay wala pang lupa? Dapat iprayoridad ng kongreso ang pagpasa ng CARPER para maipamahagi sa ating mga Pilipinong magsasaka ang lupa at hindi para sa mga dayuhan.”
Further, the farmers insist that HR 737 is based on inaccurate grounds. HR 737 alleged that allowing foreign ownership will usher in foreign investments. Based on studies, however, foreign investors in the Philippines are not actually asking for ownership of land. Rather, they merely need to be ensured of stability of rules so they know what rules govern their businesses and that there are actually mechanisms that will help protect their capital. Moreover, contrary to beliefs that foreign corporations could usher in increase agricultural productivity and efficiency, studies prove that smaller farms are more efficient in producing food crops. In addition, in the country labor is an important concern. Mechanization will not be efficient in the context because of a massive labor force.
This Constitutional restriction on foreign ownership of land obviously involves a national security issue. Considering that there is no cap to the total area allowable for foreign ownership, there might come a time that we will run out of agricultural lands which serve as food sources. This, specially considering that foreign corporations cannot be dictated what type of crop (food instead of cash crop) will be planted therein. Also, many of the produce of commercial farms—likely to multiply upon grant of ownership of lands to foreigners-are targeted for export and the output is intended for other countries. This will be problematic for food security in the country. In such a situation, there is a possibility that the retention limit for ownership of agricultural lands will be increased by legislation, as foreigners will not accept coverage of their lands under the CARP. As such, there will also be stronger resistance from Filipino landowners.
--------
Farmers from Sumilao, Banasi and Calatagan who stayed in Manila are asking the public to join the CARPER campaign, as national development is founded on solid building blocks like agricultural development. Giving the farmers land to till enhances their opportunities for better income. Increased income for the rural poor results in an improved economy. An improved economy means a better country. Agrarian reform means economic development and food security not just for the farmers but also for all citizens in the country.
The farmers are also asking the public to join them in a March to Congress to bring the citizens’ petition for CARPER bearing 1 Million signatures. The march to Congress is scheduled to be held on April 27, 2009.
If you want to help gather signatures and schedule a screening of Lupang Hinarang, a film made by Ditsi Carolino (the filmmaker who made Bunso and Minsan Lang Sila Bata), please contact the following for details and information:
Kaka Bag-ao: kakabagao@gmail.com
Jane Capacio: cheeryjanee@yahoo.com
Mally Gargar (BALAOD): 09224456384; 09177171879
Reggie Aquino/Junard Devila (KAISAHAN): 4330760
You may also visit the site for updates www.carpernow.multiply.com
Farmers Marched Against HR 737 to Protect the Right of Filipino Farmers to Own Lands
Farmers from Sumilao, Banasi and Calatagan marched from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City to the Batasan to protest the Congress’ deliberation of House Resolution (HR) 737 which seeks to allow the acquisition by foreign corporations and associations, and the transfer and conveyance, of alienable public and private lands. Instead, the farmers reiterated their demand to Congress to immediately deliberate CARP Extension with Reforms (House Bill 4077) and enact the same before its adjournment.
The 26 farmers walked with the message “PASS CARPER NOW” painted on their bodies, and staged a short program before the DAR and Congress together with other farmers from PAKISAMA, PKSK and PARAGOS. They also made a symbolic “burying” of anti-CARPER solons including Iggy Arroyo, Mikey and Datu Arroyo, Luis Villafuerte, Pablo Garcia, Alfredo Marañon, Crispin Remulla, Jeffrey Ferrer, Jose Lacson, Mark Cojuangco, Ebbie Apostol, Eufrocino Codilla, Sr., Jack Duavit, Pryde Teves and Bernard Piñol. DAR Secretary Pangandaman, who has failed to defend the farmers’ rights as agrarian reform secretary, was also buried with the anti-CARPER solons.
Incidentally, these anti-CARPER solons including Speaker Prospero Nograles are also the main proponents of HR 737. Last April 2, Speaker Nograles publicly expressed to prioritize the deliberation and enactment of CARPER before adjournment. House Bill 4077 has not yet been deliberated in the House since its resumption on April 13, yet, House Resolution 737 has been proceeding swiftly before the House. Sumilao Farmer Yoyong Merida laments, “Bakit uunahin ng pamahalaan ang pagbibigay ng lupa sa mga dayuhan samantalang karamihan sa ating mga magsasaka ay wala pang lupa? Dapat iprayoridad ng kongreso ang pagpasa ng CARPER para maipamahagi sa ating mga Pilipinong magsasaka ang lupa at hindi para sa mga dayuhan.”
Further, the farmers insist that HR 737 is based on inaccurate grounds. HR 737 alleged that allowing foreign ownership will usher in foreign investments. Based on studies, however, foreign investors in the Philippines are not actually asking for ownership of land. Rather, they merely need to be ensured of stability of rules so they know what rules govern their businesses and that there are actually mechanisms that will help protect their capital. Moreover, contrary to beliefs that foreign corporations could usher in increase agricultural productivity and efficiency, studies prove that smaller farms are more efficient in producing food crops. In addition, in the country labor is an important concern. Mechanization will not be efficient in the context because of a massive labor force.
This Constitutional restriction on foreign ownership of land obviously involves a national security issue. Considering that there is no cap to the total area allowable for foreign ownership, there might come a time that we will run out of agricultural lands which serve as food sources. This, specially considering that foreign corporations cannot be dictated what type of crop (food instead of cash crop) will be planted therein. Also, many of the produce of commercial farms—likely to multiply upon grant of ownership of lands to foreigners-are targeted for export and the output is intended for other countries. This will be problematic for food security in the country. In such a situation, there is a possibility that the retention limit for ownership of agricultural lands will be increased by legislation, as foreigners will not accept coverage of their lands under the CARP. As such, there will also be stronger resistance from Filipino landowners.
--------
Farmers from Sumilao, Banasi and Calatagan who stayed in Manila are asking the public to join the CARPER campaign, as national development is founded on solid building blocks like agricultural development. Giving the farmers land to till enhances their opportunities for better income. Increased income for the rural poor results in an improved economy. An improved economy means a better country. Agrarian reform means economic development and food security not just for the farmers but also for all citizens in the country.
The farmers are also asking the public to join them in a March to Congress to bring the citizens’ petition for CARPER bearing 1 Million signatures. The march to Congress is scheduled to be held on April 27, 2009.
If you want to help gather signatures and schedule a screening of Lupang Hinarang, a film made by Ditsi Carolino (the filmmaker who made Bunso and Minsan Lang Sila Bata), please contact the following for details and information:
Kaka Bag-ao: kakabagao@gmail.com
Jane Capacio: cheeryjanee@yahoo.com
Mally Gargar (BALAOD): 09224456384; 09177171879
Reggie Aquino/Junard Devila (KAISAHAN): 4330760
You may also visit the site for updates www.carpernow.multiply.com
April 5, 2009 lupang hinirang lupang hinarang citizens' petition for CARPER updates
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Liga ng mga Barangay-Caloocan, Issues a Resolution Calling for CARPER; Mayor Echiverri Gave Full Support to Farmers
by Atty. kaka J. Bag-ao
The powerful Liga ng mga Barangay ng Caloocan strongly supported the farmers’ cause for the immediate enactment of House Bill 4077 and Senate Bill 2666 during a General Assembly of the Punong Barangays held at the Bulwagang Katipunan in the Caloocan City Hall. Further, Rico Judge “RJ” Echiverri, the current National President of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, led the issuance of “Liga ng mga Barangay ng Caloocan Resolution Calling for CARP Extension with Reforms” wherein all the 104 Punong Barangays of Caloocan present at the assembly signed and openly supported the farmers.
The Liga ng mga Barangay, created by virtue of Section 491 of the Local Government Code of 1991, is an organization of the almost 42,000 barangays throughout the country. It was organized primarily for the purpose of determining the representation of the barangay in the sanggunian and for ventilating, articulating and crystallizing issues affecting barangay government administration and securing solutions to these concerns.
The Resolution stated, “The Liga Ng Mga Barangay adheres to the 1987 Philippine Constitution which mandates the implementation of Agrarian Reform to serve the purposes of social justice and national development. Agrarian Reform should not only be the concern of the farmers but of all the citizens of the Philippines as it relates to food security and rural development of the whole nation. Therefore, The Liga Ng Mga Barangay, hereby strongly demands from the Congress of the Philippines the immediate enactment of a law which seeks to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) with significant reforms.”
The Resolution also strongly urges everyone to sign in the Citizens’ Petition for CARP Extension with Reforms and join the March Rally on April 13, 2009 where farmers, agrarian reform advocates and other groups and individuals will march to the Congress of the Philippines to demand the immediate enactment of House Bill 4077 and Senate Bill 2666.
At the later part of the assembly, Caloocan Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri, also came to welcome the Punong Barangays and the 5 farmers who were invited to speak before all the barangay officials on the status of agrarian reform and the pending bills in Congress. Mayor Echiverri supported the farmers’ cause and signed in the Citizens’ Petition for CARPER. Moreover, Liga ng mga Barangay President RJ Echiverri and Caloocan Mayor Recom Ehciverri invited the farmers and other agrarian reform advocates to speak before all the Punong Barangays of the Philippines in a scheduled National Conference in May 19-21. The farmers happily accepted the invitation.
Young CSB Students Inspire Farmers
When the farmers went back to CARITAS, a group of young and spirited students from the College of Saint Benilde (CSB), led by its incumbent Student Council President Aren Santos, prepared a sumptuous dinner for all the farmers and support groups. The students also integrated with the farmers and conversed with them during the meals. The farmers shared their stories and struggles for the campaign for the passage of the CARPER Bill, while the students also shared their sentiments on the matter. The students promised to support the farmers in every way they can.
--------
Farmers from Sumilao, Banasi and Calatagan who stayed in Manila are asking the public to join the CARPER campaign, as national development is founded on solid building blocks like agricultural development. Giving the farmers land to till enhances their opportunities for better income. Increased income for the rural poor results in an improved economy. An improved economy means a better country. Agrarian reform means economic development and food security not just for the farmers but also for all citizens in the country.
The farmers are also asking the public to join them in a March to Congress to bring the citizens’ petition for CARPER bearing 1 Million signatures. The march to Congress is scheduled to be held upon Congress’s resumption of session on April 13, 2009.
If you want to help gather signatures and schedule a screening of Lupang Hinarang, a film made by Ditsi Carolino (the filmmaker who made Bunso and Minsan Lang Sila Bata), please contact the following for details and information:
Kaka Bag-ao: kakabagao@gmail.com
Jane Capacio: cheeryjanee@yahoo.com
Mally Gargar (BALAOD): 09224456384; 09177171879
Reggie Aquino/Junard Devila (KAISAHAN): 4330760
You may also visit the site for updates www.carpernow.multiply.com
CARPER Signature Campaign & Congress Watch
As of today, the farmers were able to gather 52,741 signatures in support of CARP Extension with Reforms and have become more emboldened in their quest for social justice as more and more individual citizens and sectors walk with them in their struggle.
byAtty. Kaka J.Bag-ao
As of today, 11 Senators are CARPER advocates and assured the bishops that they will help ensure that a new CARP law will be enacted, with compulsory acquisition restored, and with at least P147 billion budgetary allocation, to wit, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Ping Lacson, Sen. Pong Biazon, Sen. Nene Pimentel, Sen. Mar Roxas, and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.
As of today, 105 representatives have signified their support for the cause of the farmers and pushed for the adherence to the Constitutional mandate of undertaking and completion of an effective agrarian reform program in the country. The latest additions are Representatives Prospero Nograles (Davao), Ma. Amelita Villarosa (Mindoro Occidental), Michael John Duavit (Rizal), Robert Raymund Estrella (ABONO), Alejandro Marañon (Negros Occidental), Conrado Estrella (Pangasinan), Jeffrey Ferrer (Negros Occidental), and Andres Salvacion (Northern Leyte) during the lunch meeting with the Bishops on 2 April 2009.
by Atty. kaka J. Bag-ao
The powerful Liga ng mga Barangay ng Caloocan strongly supported the farmers’ cause for the immediate enactment of House Bill 4077 and Senate Bill 2666 during a General Assembly of the Punong Barangays held at the Bulwagang Katipunan in the Caloocan City Hall. Further, Rico Judge “RJ” Echiverri, the current National President of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, led the issuance of “Liga ng mga Barangay ng Caloocan Resolution Calling for CARP Extension with Reforms” wherein all the 104 Punong Barangays of Caloocan present at the assembly signed and openly supported the farmers.
The Liga ng mga Barangay, created by virtue of Section 491 of the Local Government Code of 1991, is an organization of the almost 42,000 barangays throughout the country. It was organized primarily for the purpose of determining the representation of the barangay in the sanggunian and for ventilating, articulating and crystallizing issues affecting barangay government administration and securing solutions to these concerns.
The Resolution stated, “The Liga Ng Mga Barangay adheres to the 1987 Philippine Constitution which mandates the implementation of Agrarian Reform to serve the purposes of social justice and national development. Agrarian Reform should not only be the concern of the farmers but of all the citizens of the Philippines as it relates to food security and rural development of the whole nation. Therefore, The Liga Ng Mga Barangay, hereby strongly demands from the Congress of the Philippines the immediate enactment of a law which seeks to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) with significant reforms.”
The Resolution also strongly urges everyone to sign in the Citizens’ Petition for CARP Extension with Reforms and join the March Rally on April 13, 2009 where farmers, agrarian reform advocates and other groups and individuals will march to the Congress of the Philippines to demand the immediate enactment of House Bill 4077 and Senate Bill 2666.
At the later part of the assembly, Caloocan Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri, also came to welcome the Punong Barangays and the 5 farmers who were invited to speak before all the barangay officials on the status of agrarian reform and the pending bills in Congress. Mayor Echiverri supported the farmers’ cause and signed in the Citizens’ Petition for CARPER. Moreover, Liga ng mga Barangay President RJ Echiverri and Caloocan Mayor Recom Ehciverri invited the farmers and other agrarian reform advocates to speak before all the Punong Barangays of the Philippines in a scheduled National Conference in May 19-21. The farmers happily accepted the invitation.
Young CSB Students Inspire Farmers
When the farmers went back to CARITAS, a group of young and spirited students from the College of Saint Benilde (CSB), led by its incumbent Student Council President Aren Santos, prepared a sumptuous dinner for all the farmers and support groups. The students also integrated with the farmers and conversed with them during the meals. The farmers shared their stories and struggles for the campaign for the passage of the CARPER Bill, while the students also shared their sentiments on the matter. The students promised to support the farmers in every way they can.
--------
Farmers from Sumilao, Banasi and Calatagan who stayed in Manila are asking the public to join the CARPER campaign, as national development is founded on solid building blocks like agricultural development. Giving the farmers land to till enhances their opportunities for better income. Increased income for the rural poor results in an improved economy. An improved economy means a better country. Agrarian reform means economic development and food security not just for the farmers but also for all citizens in the country.
The farmers are also asking the public to join them in a March to Congress to bring the citizens’ petition for CARPER bearing 1 Million signatures. The march to Congress is scheduled to be held upon Congress’s resumption of session on April 13, 2009.
If you want to help gather signatures and schedule a screening of Lupang Hinarang, a film made by Ditsi Carolino (the filmmaker who made Bunso and Minsan Lang Sila Bata), please contact the following for details and information:
Kaka Bag-ao: kakabagao@gmail.com
Jane Capacio: cheeryjanee@yahoo.com
Mally Gargar (BALAOD): 09224456384; 09177171879
Reggie Aquino/Junard Devila (KAISAHAN): 4330760
You may also visit the site for updates www.carpernow.multiply.com
CARPER Signature Campaign & Congress Watch
As of today, the farmers were able to gather 52,741 signatures in support of CARP Extension with Reforms and have become more emboldened in their quest for social justice as more and more individual citizens and sectors walk with them in their struggle.
byAtty. Kaka J.Bag-ao
As of today, 11 Senators are CARPER advocates and assured the bishops that they will help ensure that a new CARP law will be enacted, with compulsory acquisition restored, and with at least P147 billion budgetary allocation, to wit, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Ping Lacson, Sen. Pong Biazon, Sen. Nene Pimentel, Sen. Mar Roxas, and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.
As of today, 105 representatives have signified their support for the cause of the farmers and pushed for the adherence to the Constitutional mandate of undertaking and completion of an effective agrarian reform program in the country. The latest additions are Representatives Prospero Nograles (Davao), Ma. Amelita Villarosa (Mindoro Occidental), Michael John Duavit (Rizal), Robert Raymund Estrella (ABONO), Alejandro Marañon (Negros Occidental), Conrado Estrella (Pangasinan), Jeffrey Ferrer (Negros Occidental), and Andres Salvacion (Northern Leyte) during the lunch meeting with the Bishops on 2 April 2009.
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