O U T R A G E !

Overseas Filipinos, their families and advocates Unite,
Rise to Oust the Arroyo regime!

News ReleaseJuly 1, 2005For reference: Broad group of migrants and advocates launch Oust Gloria alliance: Calls to withhold remittances until Gloria steps downNo resign, no remit.

This was the call issued today by a new alliance formed by migrants and advocates to press for Gloria’s immediate resignation or ouster. OUTRAGE or Overseas Filipinos, their families and advocates Unite, Rise to oust the Arroyo regime is an umbrella formation of groups and individuals across the Philippines and around the world, in more than 20 countries.

“Foremost among our forms of protest actions is the call for the withholding of remittances through formal banking channels as long as Gloria Arroyo remains in power in order to illustrate our complete withdrawal of support from the Gloria administration,” says OUTRAGE in their Basis of Unity Statement. OUTRAGE was launched this morning during a Quezon City press conference.

Other forms of action the group will lead include coordinated days of action, forums and petition signings.“Instead of trying to cover-up her fraudulent foul-play by resorting to repressive measures and harassment tactics, she must face the people’s cry for justice to be served,” says the group’s petition which will be circulated in various communities, countries and on the internet.

“Across the country and around the world, the Filipino people will not be fooled. We will not be deceived by diversionary tactics of self-exile or a purported revamp of the Cabinet. Clearly, Gloria is an anti-people, corrupt and fake President with no legal or moral basis. If she does not resign, the people will oust her from Malacanang,” says OUTRAGE.

On Tuesday, July 5, OUTRAGE will hold a forum at UP’s Asian Center Conference Room (2pm to 4pm) entitled “No Resign, No Remit (through bank channels)” to further raise awareness about the impact of remittances on the national economy.OUTRAGE convenors and members at the press conference include: Dr. Minguita Padilla, President, Sinag ng Bayan Foundation; Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson, Migrante Sectoral Party; Amado Gat Inciong, Alyansang Nagkakaisa para sa Inang Bayan; Prof. Ruel Pepa, of Trinity College of Quezon City; Hanah Seneres, External Vice-President, OFW Family Club; Prof. Millie R. Espinas, of Asian Center, UP Diliman; Maita Santiago, Secretary-General, Migrante International; Josue Loyola, Chairperson Friends of Migrante; Dr. Rommel Linatoc, Migrante - United Kingdom and Josh Castro, Secretary-General of the League of Filipino Students - California; and Mazel Trinidad of Migrante Youth.

#Spokespersons for reference:

Dr. Minguita Padilla, 0915.584.2394
Connie Bragas-Regalado, 0927.215.7392