The Philippine Online Chronicles

(Part 2 from Noynoy, a year after: Deepening Poverty, Worsening Crisis)

A wave of demolition of urban poor informal settlers during the past few months affecting more than 20,000 families have led to street clashes and barricades. More are planned as Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects aim to make use of public lands for profit. Among those facing threats of demolition are families in San Roque and Quezon City Central Business District, Corazon De Jesus in San Juan, Laperal in Makati, Kadiwa in Navotas, Pangarap Village in Caloocan, Tenements in Manila, Intramuros, and many more. Phase-out of vendors, kuliglig and pedicab drivers have also been ordered to give way to projects.

According to DILG, more than 556,526 families in Metro Manila or 2.7 million people are “informal settlers.” This accounts for 25% of the entire NCR population and is the target for eviction or demolition. Meanwhile, government only has 32,762 housing units for relocation which mostly has no water and electricity, and are far from work and livelihood.

Aquino’s government has been called the “Haciendero Republic.” Aquino has refused to give Hacienda Luisita to the farmers despite rightful claims to it. Various schemes have been introduced to skirt land distribution. He also has maintained monopoly of land in the country. Currently, 70% of farmers have no land and are being exploited by a few landlords.

Worsening human rights situation

Under Aquino, there is still no justice for the more than 1,000 killed under Arroyo. Political killings and abductions continue. According to Karapatan, there are 45 cases of extra-judicial killings under Aquino and 5 cases of abduction.

Despite calls for their release, Aquino has said nothing regarding the more than 300 political prisoners under Aquino. The Aquino government, despite pretentions of working for peace, has failed to comply with agreements with NDFP regarding JASIG, causing the postponement of the talks.

KKK governance

Despite its promise to make the past government accountable, not a single case has been filed by the Aquino government against Arroyo. The botched truth commission and its lack of action against the Arroyos show its lack of sincerity in going after Arroyo.

Noynoy has no excuse not to be able to prosecute and jail Arroyo. Then president Estrada has been jailed less than 6 months after he was ousted. Aquino had one year in power, and he did nothing.

His “tuwid na daan” led to nowhere. Some note that he needed the road so he can drive his Porsche in top speed. The people see him as good for nothing playstation addict who wakes up late, a serial dater who likes to drink and dine with his Kaklase, Kabarilan and Kakampi, who among them are fighting over division of spoils of Aquino’s election victory.

Puppetry

Noynoy, just like his predecessors, is clearly a puppet of US and foreign interests. He is hell bent on getting foreign investments, loans, and military aid especially from the US. Because of this, he is playing US proxy in the Spratlys affair.  

Aquino has promised to review the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), but has not released the results of the review. He intends to continue the lopsided agreement and permits the overstaying of troops in the country.

No change under Aquino

Clearly, there has been no change under Aquino. Instead, we see a government as determined as ever to retain the status quo. Judging from his first year, the people has nothing to expect from this government but deeper poverty and crisis.

No more rhetorics, no more showbiz papogi, no more lies and false promises. Through our collective strength, we must fight for the people’s rights and welfare against the puppet, inept and anti-people Aquino regime and continue the struggle for meaningful social change.

Vencer is currently secretary general of Kabataan Partylist. He is formerly the national chairperson of the League of Filipino Students. He is also a web designer and an internet enthusiast. He blogs atvencercrisostomo.com.

Photo by Anton Sheker. Some Rights Reserved.