Accents
Renewed strength and resolve for justice
ROXAS CITY – The SELDA banner flew high, unfurled by the wind as SELDA members gathered around the Monument of Heroes that was fittingly constructed at the Dinggoy Roxas Freedom Park. The day before, December 10, was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day, and the victims of human rights violations saw it fit to reinvigorate their ranksin the pursuit of justice.
Who are these members? It was an aggrupation of people in their 60s and 70s, a few in their 50s – most, victims of Marcos’ Martial Law Regime; some, of modern-day transgressions of their human rights. The words behind the acronym say it best: Samahan ng Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto. It was the 24th regional assembly of SELDA-Panay and members from the four provinces of the island came to participate, instilled in the theme, “Panibag-ong kusog sa pag-agum sang hustisya!” (Strength bolstered for the attainment of justice.)
The monument screams with lines in bloody red: Ang magbuhos ng dugo para sa bayan ay kagitingan hindi malilimutan. Engraved around the concrete slab are the names of those we came to honor – friends and relatives and strangers who gave up a life of convenience and suffered through the dark days of Martial Law, and those victimized by punitive power that knows no law. Of the more than 400 names, I found two close to my heart: Edmundo Rivera Legislador, my cousin, and Antonio Rivera Carreon, my brother. Implied is a mandate for action in the statement inscribed on a portion of the slab: “The liberation of the masses is the responsibility history gives to all of us, especially to the masses themselves who are the most active force for liberation. Wherever brothers are hungry, oppressed and exploited, it is our duty to act the liberation of the poor and the oppressed as an explicit goal in the mission of Jesus.”
Fr. Diony Cabillas, SELDA secretary-general, who flew in from Manila early that morning, opened the commemoration with a prayer. Songs of remembrances vibrant with love of country and people floated with lines that evoked misty eyes and a lump in the throat: Mabuhay ka, kaupod, ang kabakud mo kag kaisog/ Magapabilin sa amon tagipusuon/Sa pagpadayon sang imo handum./Ang sampaguita sa hardin sang kahilwayan, ang mga bukol imo na makit-an/Pabay-i nga dugo mo ang ibunyag/Tubtub lubo sini nga magbuskad.
Heroes of long ago – Rizal and Bonifacio come to mind – and those whose names are emblazoned on the SELDA monument had, by their sacrifice, answered this question: Anong pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya/Sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila/Gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa/Aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga, wala. When Butch Pestano delivered “Kung tuyo na ang iyong luha, aking Bayan,” emoting all the pain and sufferings of those who were gone as Bayan Ko was being sung, it was then that I couldn’t help the tears.
Programme cum lunch cum organizational meeting, forum and informal sharing were held in the neatly-kept Poolside Pavilion of the beautiful Villareal Stadium. Sumptuous lunch, as sumptuous can be, was offered by SELDA-Capiz thanks to Dennis Canas and company. Certainly, everybody was looking forward to the heavy, yummy treat after the long drive from Iloilo City. The Class Suit against dictator Marcos entailed a lengthy discussion with Cynthia Deduro and Fr. Diony clarifying the issues as to recipient’s award and identification.
Led by current president Atty. Eli Guiloreza, a group of nine members representing various sectors of SELDA-Panay were chosen. The nine will in turn elect from among themselves the officers of the organization. The 24th SELDA-Panay Regional Assembly adjourned with the members resolved more than ever to strengthen themselves in the pursuit of justice.
****
Writ of Kalikasan
ILOILO CITY – As part of its environmental advocacy, NUPL-Iloilo (National Union of People’s Lawyers in Iloilo), held a luncheon conference at the Iloilo Grand Hotel on December 14, with Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos as resource speaker. The topic discussed was the Writ of Kalikasan recently issued by the Supreme Court. She gave a graphic presentation of the disastrous effects of the coal-fired power plant in her home province Cebu. Backed up by data and photos, she spoke of the actions they took and will take apropos the writ.
An environmental activist par excellence, Atty. Ramos is a leading figure in the Philippine Earth Justice Center Inc. She holds close kinship with the lawyers of NUPL-Iloilo, being herself a member of NUPL-Cebu. Atty. Ramos’ dissertation on the Writ calls for an extensive account. Suffice it for now that the nature of the writ is quoted here under in toto for general info from whence, it is hoped, will spring action for the sake of the environment:
“Section 1. Nature of the Writ. The writ is a remedy available to a natural or juridical person, entity authorized by law, people’s organization, non-governmental organization or any public interest group accredited by or registered with any government agency, on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or public official, or private individual or entity, involving environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.”*
Email:lagoc@hargray.com
