Beltran back in House; assails gov't on illegal arrest and detention

IN what must have been his most scathing rebuke yet, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran today delivered a privilege speech before the House of Representatives, assailing government authorities on his "illegal arrest and detention."

Beltran, who has been held under hospital arrest for over a year now and was granted only temporary release to attend the last remaining session days of Congress, maintained that he is innocent and that the circumstances surrounding his arrest, along with five other leftist party-list representatives, were illegal and anomalous.

Beltran, together with party-list Reps. Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, Teodoro Casino, Joel Virador, Rafael Mariano, were charged with rebellion in April 2006 for allegedly conspiring with renegade soldiers and communist party leaders to overthrow the government. The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Justice Department to dismiss the charges.

The Office of the Solicitor General however threatened to appeal the dismissal, warning that the ruling would have adverse consequences on the criminal justice system of the country. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye likewise said that the ruling has a "potentially adverse effect on law enforcement." National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales further called the Batasan 6 "liars now in celebration."

In an earlier statement, Beltran said the administration, "particularly its henchmen the likes of Gonzales have attacked our ranks and leadership through abductions, extrajudicial killings, and the filing of various criminal charges."

"Tinatrato kaming mga kriminal at pusakal at kinakasuhan ng mabibigat na kaso gaya ng rebelyon at pagpatay, samantalang wala kaming ginawa kundi gamitin at imaksima ang larangan ng parlyamento upang magsalita at manindigan (They're treating us like criminals and incorrigibles by filing serious charges such as rebellion and murder even though we did nothing except utilize and maximise the parliament to speak and stand up for what is right)," he said in his speech.

Beltran further said his detention has denied him of his rights as a lawmaker. Among the party-list representatives in the 13th Congress, Beltran has the most number of bills and resolution filed, totaling to 130, and with a near-perfect attendance right before his arrest in February 2006.

In his speech, he underscored the need for the passage of theP125-wage-hike bill.

House Bill No. 345, which Beltran authored, was passed in the wee hours of December 20, 2006. But when Congress resumed its sessions in January, Cavite Rep. Crispin Remulla, who voted for House Bill No. 345, moved for the reconsideration of the measure's passage; up to now, the motion has yet to be acted upon. Remulla was accused of doing a "proxy veto," saving the President the embarrassment of vetoing a progressive piece of legislation.

Beltran also reiterated the need for the P3,000-across-the-board salary increase for government employees, stressing that the government, up to now, has not made good on its promise to increase workers' pay. (See related post.)

"Mr. Speaker, maaring kayo na ang mag-isip kung ano ang bigat ng kalooban at pag-iisip ang patuloy kong dinadanas dahil hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako malaya (Mr. speaker, it's up to you to judge how I continue to suffer because I remain incarcerated) ," he said.

The 75-year-old labor leader said he remains "a political prisoner," since the Makati Regional Trial Court has yet to implement the Supreme Court decision and grant him freedom from the custody of the Philippine National Police.

Beltran and his family said they will be seeking damages amounting to P15 million, or P1 million for every month that he had been detained, from the government for his illegal arrest and detention. His family also wants the government to pay for the hospital bills amounting to P700,000 as of last week.

"I demand immediate justice for myself, my party-list and all the Filipinos who have supported me throughout this 15-month ordeal. We have worked long and hard to press for my release, and the Arroyo government cannot deny that it sustained countless blows from the local civil and human rights advocates as well as the international community who also continue to call for my freedom," he said in an earlier statement.