PRESS RELEASE
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

CPP scoffs at de Venecia fund drive
September 1, 2004

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today denounced the congressional fund drive initiated by House speaker Jose de Venecia as a "a hypocritical act" meant to "exculpate congressmen from their responsibility for the economic and financial crisis."

In a statement, CPP spokesperson Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said that the move was nothing but a "cheap gimmick" because it does not address the real reasons behind the "hemorrhaging economy."

Rosal pointed out that the economic and financial crisis was principally caused by the Arroyo government's all-out implementation of policies on economic and trade liberalization that have resulted in production slowdowns, worsening corruption and reliance on foreign funding.

He said that the reactionary congress should carry its share of the blame for passing laws such as that on oil deregulation and membership in the WTO that are in accordance with these policies and detrimental to the people's interests.

"It is extremely hypocritical for these congressmen to flaunt in public their so-called sacrifices after having caused the toiling masses great harm and after having enriched themselves by using pork barrel funds and behest loans," said Rosal. Rosal pointed out that Speaker de Venecia has been accused of benefiting from a $120 million behest loan guaranteed by the Marcos regime. The loan was used by the Landoil company, then headed by de Venecia.

On top of this, Rosal added, congress plans to legislate new tax measures that would add to the people's already heavy burdens, but has been dragging its feet on bills to raise minimum wages.

Rosal exhorted the people to vigorously oppose the Arroyo government's plans to impose new taxes and to struggle for wage increases.

Reference:
Anne Buenaventura
Media Officer
Cellphone Number: +63910-240-3553



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