We ousted a dictator before. We can do it again!

This is how the martial law victims and their relatives expressed their resolve not to allow the resurrection of dark days of martial law.

Martial law victims trooped at the Aquino residence in Times Street, Quezon City to remind President Aquino that it was not just former Senator Benigno Aquino who fought the former dictator.

The Filipino people opposed the fascist, bureaucrat-capitalist and imperialist character the Marcos regime long before the late Senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated, and long before martial law was declared.

They held placards bearing signs that shouted  "Biktima ni Macoy noon, biktima ni Noynoy ngayon! No to dictatorship! Never again to martial law!"

We remain vigilant and defiant to any sitting president who pretends to be 'pro-people, pro-democracy, and patriotic. The country's situation has not significantly changed from the time of former dictator Marcos up to Noynoy Aquino's administration. The country remains under the shackles of corruption, subservience to US imperialist policies, and state repression. Now, Noynoy Aquino wants to perpetuate himself in power by amending the Philippine Constitution and clipping the powers of the judiciary.  His regime is set on further selling out the national patrimony.  Noynoy Aquino is doing a Marcos.

Marie Hilao-Enriquez

SELDA

Palparan's arrest an indictment of the AFP hierarchy

Not contended with the exaggerated security measures, the call for transfer to military custody or additional deployment of military in the jail to secure him, a group in the military under the "Free Jovito Palparan Movement" now says they are ready to 'take the bullet for Palparan.'

This mutual admiration among high officials in the military and Palparan is not surprising because the arrest of Palparan is an indictment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and all that it stands for–impunity, human rights violations, protection of big business and the landlords. The military can take the bullet for Palparan but why can't they face the public? Because they are not protecting democracy as they would want the public to believe. It's about protecting the interests of the landlords, the big business, and the government bureaucrats, including the plunderers and killing all those who oppose their greed.

The men and women in the AFP should show their love for democracy by taking the side of the people, especially the poor peasants and workers who are deprived of lands, decent jobs and wages, housing, and education. Let the Años, the Catapangs defend Palparan and his breed in the AFP. Let them take the bullet for Palparan against the people they are sworn to protect.

Cristina Palabay

Secretary General

Karapatan.