Progressive Philippine Congress representatives in Toronto - April 2008

CRISIS IN THE PHILIPPINES:
Corruption, Repression and People's Resistance

Two long-time activists, now members of Philippine Congress representing women and workers' movements, are visiting Canada to call on the Canadian government to stop supporting the repressive and corrupt regime of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Under the guise of the war on terror, President Arroyo is waging a violent crackdown on people's organizations and government critics. More than 800 social activists, human rights advocates, progressive politicians, journalist, lawyers and judges have been assassinated. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and summary executions attributes many of the killings to the military. Massive protests demanding President Arroyo's resignation amidst allegation of corruption bring to mind the 1986 People Power movement that ended the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

Join guests Rep. Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist and Rep. Luz Ilagan of Gabriela Partylist
Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00PM
Ontario Institute For Studies in Education
252 Bloor St. West (Above St. George Subway)
Rm# 5-260 (5th Floor)

For more information: Ramon Grajo: 416.486.8428

Co-sponsored by: Philippine Legislators Organizing Group-International Tour, Centre for Women's Studies in Education at OISE, Bayan-Canada Organizing Committee, Migrante-Ontario, Toronto-York Region Labour Council, Justice and Global Ecumenical Relations Unit of the UCC, Philippine Network for Justice and Peace, Labour Education Center, Asian Solidarity Network, KAIROS, BASICS Free Community Newspaper, Toronto Women’s Bookstore

* * * * *

PULONG BAYAN (Community Meeting):
Up-close and Personal with Satur Ocampo
A chance to talk with your Congress representative

From business journalist to long-time activist and long-time political prisoner under the Marcos dictatorship... Now Bayan Muna partylist president and outstanding Congressman, Rep. Satur Ocampo -- deputy minority leader and head of the Independent bloc -- is coming to Toronto to talk with kababayans on the crisis in the country of the Arroyo presidency.

No real growth in the economy, over 3,000 a day heading abroad, unbridled corruption charges against the First Family, unrest in the lower ranks of the military, mass protests... Are we nearing the end of the Arroyo presidency? What are the possible ways forward for the Philippines?

Come, hear and meet our representative. Be heard and express your concerns. There may not be another chance with the growing crisis!

Sunday, April 13 at 2:00pm
Fr. Madden Hall, Carr Hall
St. Michael's College, University of Toronto
100 St. Joseph Street
(between Bay St. and Queen's Park Cr. East,
north of Wellesley St.)

Co-sponsored by: Migrante Ontario, Bayan-Canada Organizing Committee, Santaginian Association of Ontario, Philippine Advocacy Through Arts and Culture, Community Alliance for Social Justice, Philippine Press Club of Ontario, United Steelworkers, Filipino Students' Association of Toronto