NEWS RELEASE – 29 January 2004
Reference: Maita Santiago, Secretary General – 0919-3332803

Migrante International denounces ex-Chair,Gloria as political opportunists

The biggest alliance of groups composed of overseas Filipinos and their families today denounced their ex-Chair, Poe M.Gratela and President Gloria as prime examples of political opportunists.

“It’s the height of hypocrisy for Poe to proclaim that Gloria works for the interests of OFWs and their relatives. It would have been closer to the truth if he just got down and licked her boots,” said Maita Santiago, Migrante International Secretary-General.

“Poe submitted his resignation to us last November citing economic difficulties. Perhaps now that he’s all praises for Gloria, his financial problems are addressed,” said Santiago.

Gratela is among the founding members of Migrante International and up until he gave his resignation letter, he was a fiery critic of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

“For him to now change his tune completely only shows that like his current master, Gloria – Poe’s a trapo who’s quick to sacrifice what’s best for the OFWs and the people in exchange for his personal gain,” she added.

“Since she took office, Gloria proved numerous times that for her, the grief and sacrifices of migrants are nothing but photo-opportunities. And clearly, she won’t hesitate to use other political opportunists like herself in her bid to be elected – even if it means confusing OFWs and the people,” said Santiago.

According to Santiago, instead of clarifying and promoting the rights of migrants this election, Poe’s creation of a pro-Gloria migrant group is a disservice to OFWs.

“There is absolutely no way that migrants and their families will benefit under Gloria. For example, Gloria and her puppets are now trying to ram through various schemes that will prevent thousands of OFWs and their relatives from accessing welfare assistance and other benefits,” she said, citing the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Omnibus Policies.

“If Gloria thinks Poe’s endorsement will boost her presidential bid, she is deeply mistaken. Poe has exposed himself as a political opportunist who’s isolated from the people. He has no more credibility with OFWs,” she added.

“This May 2004, make no mistake about it – migrants and their families will do everything to junk Gloria at the polls,” concluded Santiago. #

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MIGRANTE Sectoral Party
National Office: 115-B Kamuning Road,
Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax: (63-2) 415-1924
Email: migparty@tri-isys.com

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MIGRANTE INTERNATIONAL
migrante@tri-isys.com
http://migrante.150m.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/migrante-news-monitor/
http://migrante.tripod.com
http://www.migrante.org
49 Mayaman corner Matahimik Streets,
UP Village, Quezon City, Philippines

telefax: (632) 926-2838
telephone: (63-2)425-1259

RESOLUTION
No. 02-001, 17 March 2002

A RESOLUTION REGISTERING MIGRANTE AS SECTORAL PARTY OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS UNDER THE PARTY-LIST SYSTEM AND PARTICIPATING IN THE MAY 2004 PARTY-LIST ELECTIONS

WHEREAS, the passage of Republic Act 7941 which institutionalizes the Party-list system of Election is a mechanism, and therefore an opportunity for disadvantaged sectors such as overseas Filipinos, to effect more democratization through sectoral representation, though a limited venue for the sector we represent, to have a voice in policy-making process and at the same time advance the interest and welfare of overseas Filipinos through sound and responsive legislation;

WHEREAS, overseas Filipinos right to vote may come into reality through the filing of the Absentee Voting Law in Congress, which when passed shall gave a resounding voice to the millions of Overseas Filipinos have their choice in the selection of political leaders in the country and eventually participate in the policy-making process;

WHEREAS, on March 17, 2001, during the commemoration of the death anniversary of Flor Contemplacion in a convention called for that purpose, we once again bind ourselves ever stronger to form a sectoral party under the name of ‘MIGRANTE’ and to participate in the party-list election of 2004;

WHEREAS, a set of officers was likewise elected by the convention headed by Mr. Leo G. Legaspi as Chairman, and Roy G. Anunciacion as Secretary-General; and a program of action was formulated.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED as it is hereby resolved that MIGRANTE shall register as a Sectoral Party of Overseas Filipinos and Families and participate in the May 2004 elections under the Party-list system;

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER that the convention authorizes the officers headed by its Chairman, Leo G. Legaspi, and its Secretary-General Roy G. Anunciacion, as representatives on the party-list registration and the accreditation of MIGRANTE as a sectoral party for the party-list system.

Done this 17th of March 2002, at the Founding Convention of Migrante Party List, Ecumenical Center, NCCP Bldg., EDSA, Quezon City.