Statement on the
occasion of Philippine Independence Day
11 June 2012
This Philippine “Independence Day,” BAYAN-Toronto,
Migrante-Canada, Anakbayan-Toronto, Gabriela, and our allies continue the fight
for true independence in the Philippines and against 114 years of US military
and economic intervention (with the support of its little brother
Canada).
We condemn the administration of President “Noynoy” Aquino for
continuing to cater to U.S. military and economic interests for both their
benefit, and of those from the Philippine ruling classes—at the expense of the wishes,
rights, and dignity of the majority of the Filipino people.
Despite the 1991 Senate decision to shut down US bases, recent
news shows that American military presence is again growing and the Philippines
is again being discussed as a major staging ground for US military assets—as a permanent staging ground for US military offensives,
storage space for surveillance drones, resupply and refueling station for US
warships and aircrafts, as well as rest and recreational facility for US
servicemen.
The
US defense strategy entails a so-called “rebalance to Asia.” With China’s
economic growth threatening US domination over the region, the Obama
administration announced earlier this year the shift in its military focus away
from Iraq and Afghanistan and to renew its commitment to re-asserting its
position in the Asia-Pacific. A 60% strategic
shift to the Asia Pacific region is set to be completed by 2020.
This past weekend Noynoy and Obama met at the White House to
discuss increasing US military presence as well as the Trans-Pacific
Partnership Agreement (TPPA), a neoliberal free-trade agreement - often
referred to as the NAFTA of Asia Washington wishes to impose on the
Philippines.
Canada is not a neutral party either. Canada is a full
supporter of US policies in the Philippines, and supplies weapons, parts, and
training to the Philippine military. Canadian human rights training has
been criticized by Amnesty International as merely helping soldiers survive the
ordeal of a human rights trial—instead of the stated goal of training to follow
human rights conventions.
Bayan-Canada, Migrante-Canada, Anakbayan-Toronto, Gabriela, and
our allies demand the Philippine government live up to its responsibilities to
the Filipino people. We demand a government that is truly democratic and
serves the needs of the people. We demand an end to 114 years of US
military intimidation and human rights violations on our own shores.
The Filipino people both at home and abroad should not allow
themselves to be fooled by American false friendship. We ask them to
stand with us in demanding an end to US military and economic remote control of
Philippine sovereignty.
Stop US intervention in the Philippines!
Junk the Visiting Forces Agreement!
Uphold genuine Philippine independence!
US troops out now!
Reference:
Alex Felipe – BAYAN Canada-Toronto Spokesperson
byncan.to@gmail.com,
(416) 707-6111
