N.B. – This is the statement of a UP-based coalition against charter change which also calls for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
We, the undersigned faculty members, researchers, staff and students of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, denounce in the strongest possible terms the attempts by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to perpetuate herself in power through charter change and to paint a rosy picture of the Philippine economy.
More than ever, the Filipino people’s vigilance becomes absolutely necessary as the powers-that-be engage in various creative means to impose their will on the people. That House Speaker Prospero Nograles has already denied any attempt on July 27 for Congress to convene itself into a constituent assembly does not mean that we should let our guard down.
If there is one thing we should remember from the years of being under the Macapagal-Arroyo administration, it is that GMA and her allies promote a culture of impunity as they profit from power. GMA clearly profited from being President as her net worth increased from P66.79 million in 2001 to P144.54 million in 2008, or an increase of 116 percent.
| Net Worth of PGMA (in million pesos) |
|||
| 2001 | 2008 | % increase | |
| Assets | 70.29 | 177.18 | 152% |
| Liabilities | 3.50 | 32.65 | 833% |
| Net Worth | 66.79 | 144.54 | 116% |
In the meantime, majority of Filipinos have to deal with high cost of living and low wages. Current data show that minimum wages are way below family living wage levels (or the wages that a family of five needs to meet food and non-food requirements).
| Minimum Wage and Family Wage (computed on monthly basis) |
|||
| Minimum Wage (non-agriculture) as of May 2009 |
Family Living Wage as of September 2008 |
Wage Gap | |
| Metro Manila | 9,932 | 21,842 | 13,910 |
| ARMM | 5,469 | 34,372 | 28,912 |
There are other indisputable data, not to mention credible surveys, that can clearly show the true state of the nation, without the empty rhetoric of a desperate President trying her best to perpetuate herself in power. Let it not be said that UP has remained silent in the face of state repression.
We take this opportunity to reaffirm our call to oust GMA and to oppose all means to change the constitution just so she can remain in power and be consequently immune from suit. We unite with concerned Filipinos in the common stand against the administration’s false claims of a better Philippines under GMA.
UP Community Against Charter Change and Gloria (UPAC Gloria)
Office of the Faculty Regent, Office of the Staff Regent, All-UP Workers Union, All-UP Academic Employees Union, Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy-UP (CONTEND-UP), University Student Council (USC), Philippine Collegian, Katipunan ng Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (KASAMA SA UP), Kabataan Kontra Cha-Cha-UP Diliman, Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UP (STAND-UP)