Cause-oriented groups took to the streets yesterday to commemorate the date of birth of Andres Bonifacio, and to denounce the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for its failure to address vital economic and social concerns of the Filipino people.

Felipe Gelle of BAYAN-Negros said Bonifacio fought for the liberation of the people from poverty and oppression and they looked up to him as their model in their crusade against the present administration.

He said their group sympathized with the issues raised by Sen. Antonio Trillanes in the Makati stand-off Thursday and they denounced the use of force shown by the government troops in arresting Trillanes, Gen. Danilo Lim, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona and the members of the media who were inside the Manila Peninsula Hotel.

Joining BAYAN-Negros in their public demonstration in front of the Fountain of Justice at Araneta Street , Bacolod City were members of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela-Negros and Anakbayan.

Also holding a rally at corner Gatuslao-Gonzaga Streets in the city yesterday was the group of Alab Kabataan led by Marlito Navares.

He said their group considers Bonifacio the hero of the Filipino working class who dedicated his life fighting the Spanish colonialism and workers' oppression.

The group also scored President Arroyo whom they dubbed as “an agent of the elite who leads the people to extreme poverty, sense of deprivation and hopelessness.”

Meanwhile, Partido ng Manggagawa marched on the streets of Bacolod City yesterday, calling the working class to learn from the failure of Trillanes to oust President Arroyo and to start organizing themselves and show force.

In a statement, PM said it will be the strength of an organized working class that can bring change to the Philippine society and not the rebel soldiers, despite their good intentions.*NAB

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