The first National Assembly of the Malaya Movement USA was convened in between two historically significant dates: the martyrdom of Benigno Ninoy Aquino and the Cry of Pugad Lawin of 1896. It was held specifically in recognition of these two historic events, the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship on one hand and the beginning of the Philippine revolution for independence and sovereignty. With the Philippine National Elections in 2022 looming, the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to worsen, and Duterte’s final year in office ramping up, this gathering of overseas Filipinos and allies forged our collective commitment to fighting for human rights, democracy, and sovereignty in the Philippines.
Calling a valid impeachment process a "distraction" speaks volumes about BBM's respect for actual democracy. It's like deja vu from Sara's impeachment last year. These separate impeachment attempts against the president and the vice president show a clear divide in Congress: the House of Reps behind Marcos while Sara maintains strong support in the Senate and the Supreme Court - all unwilling and incapable of actually upholding democracy.
Our hearts feel profound relief that Chantal Anicoche is alive and finally safe. This would not have happened without thousands who acted to pressure the Philippine military into revealing they secretly had Chantal alive in their custody and then releasing her after 3 weeks of constant public outrage.
We also feel angry and disturbed that those 3 weeks were likely defined by physical and psychological torment, like many who were either killed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) like Chad Booc or survived the AFP like Jonila Castro.
