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Gloria Stepdown Movement in Cagayan Valley is born

ILAGAN, Isabela (July 20) — The Gloria Stepdown Movement Cagayan Valley (GSM-CV) was formally launched on July 16, 2005 at Romansville Hotel, Centro, Ilagan, Isabela, with the support of different sectors of society calling on Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to leave her post.

The said gathering was attended by around 50 individuals from various sectors, representatives of different organizations, school/student publications and councils, professional groups (lawyers, health professionals, teachers and employees), NGO’s, business groups and other prominent personalities. These groups and sectors stated that they recognize the need to overthrow a fake, fascist, anti-poor, and corrupt and puppet president. They discussed the current political situation both local and national, and the options for a peaceful and democratic transition of power and the urgent reforms for a new government.

Through the open forum and from the speeches of the participants, the group came up with a consensus that the GMA administration has done nothing to uplift the economic situation of the Philippines and that she would never respond to the old-aged problem of basic sectors of the society. The peasant sector reiterated that during the administration of GMA their lives were disastrous and pathetic. Land grabbing is very rampant in the countryside.

The youth sector stated that they have been deprived of their right to a nationalist, pro-people and scientific education. Education these days is a privilege as it costs so much yet the quality is low.

According to the women, GMA was never a source of pride nor inspiration for them. They said that gender alone can never be the basis of support. They added that GMA betrayed not only the women but also the Filipino people in general.

Church people, businessmen, professionals, and politicians declared their support to the united voice of the majority-that is to unseat GMA from her post by democratic means and direct people’s action.

With the successful launching of GSM in Cagayan Valley, the convenors said that this would be a weapon for the the people of the region to advance their interests. GSM-Cagayan Valley plans to reach out to the wide public, to organize and mobilize those who believe that GMA is no longer capable of leading and uniting the Filipino people.

“The masses are tired of a leader who is pro-imperialist, greedy, a plunderer, self-centered and master of deception. It is high time for the basic sectors to decide and form a democratic council where the basic oppressed sectors of the society are represented to ensure real reforms for justice, lasting peace and democracy. Let the genuine power be placed in the hands of common people.” The GSM conveners quipped in an interview. # Micheal Agonoy for NORDIS

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