Protestors in front of the house of Bacolod Rep. Monico “Newks” Puentevella at Burgos Extension, Bacolod City, yesterday asked him to withdraw his support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

One of the protestors who wore an Arroyo mask carried a chained a puppy that was labeled  “Cong Money Co.”

Puentevella, a close ally of the president, said “So what’s new? There’s a time and a season for everything under heaven, and as their public servant, I will still respect them. This is democracy in action.”

The about 10 protesting members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros, its allied organizations, and the Kilusang Mayo Uno also carried placards slamming among others the ZTE-NBN deal and the alleged fertilizer scam.

Karapatan secretary-general Fred Caña said they believe Puentevella is the number one “tuta (puppet)” of the President in Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

So they are requesting him to withdraw his support for the President to appease the anger of the people who believe that there is no moral basis for Arroyo to remain in power, he said.

If Puentevella will continue to support the Arroyo administration, this only shows that he is also supporting the corruption in Malacañang, Caña claimed.

They are also questioning Puentevella’s use of the P8 million liquid fertilizer given to him for Bacolod City since the beneficiaries have not received their share, Caña said.

Puentevella has said that the fund can be accounted for.

Caña also said Puentevella has not issued any statement condemning major issues affecting the country such as the continuing extra-judicial killings. That is why there are widespread human rights violations happening in Bacolod and the whole country, he said.

We are challenging him to withdraw his support to Arroyo along with Rep. Ignacio Arroyo (Neg. Occ., 5th District) and acting Negros Occidental Gov. Esidro Zayco who are also supportive of the Arroyo administration, Caña said.

KMU-Negros spokesperson Ian Evidente said Puentevella must put the interest of his constituents first and not that of Arroyo.

They will continue the ouster campaign against Arroyo and continue to lobby for Negros solons to withdraw their support for the President, he said.*CGS

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