THE militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bikol (BAYAN-Bikol) has once again flexed its muscle to stop Malacanang’s bid for Charter change (Cha-cha). It has set regionwide and provincial activities to highlight the dangers of Cha-cha and the various ploys Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is reportedly trying to use to remain in power.

       Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol, said “we are all set for another battle against Cha-cha and we hope that this will be the last round. We want to finally knock out Gloria on this one, so that this will be the end of her plans to [extend her] stay in Malacanang,”

       “We have set Black Friday protests against Cha-cha in the Bicol region to educate more people on the evils of Gloria’s Cha-cha and the need for her regime to be ousted. We are also now trying to touch base with local and national government officials so that they will know our opposition to Cha-cha and we want them to support our call,” said Lopez.

       “In fact we are planning to talk with Senate President Manny Villar when he visits the region these coming weeks and share our views on Cha-cha. We are also revitalizing our communication lines with the Bicol bloc in the Senate composed of Senators Joker Arroyo, Chiz Escudero, Gringo Honasan, Jamby Madrigal and Antonio Trillanes, so that they will do everything to obstruct the move,” added the militant leader.

       “As for Congress we are warning Gloria’s allies that they will definitely suffer the people’s wrath if they support and push for Cha-cha. Bicolanos and Filipinos from all walks of life should fight Cha-cha, our country’s survival depends on it,” Lopez concluded.