New anti-Arroyo coalition formed

First posted 04:41am (Mla time) Aug 22, 2005
By Edson C. Tandoc Jr.
Inquirer News Service

A NEW coalition called Black and White Movement has been formed to press for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is facing impeachment in Congress for allegedly cheating her way to the presidency.

The Black and White Movement, which includes members of the so-called Hyatt 10, yesterday vowed to unite the middle forces -- the same groups that helped to bring down the Estrada administration and catapulted Ms Arroyo to power in 2001.

The coalition noted that Ms Arroyo was still clinging to power despite the scandals hounding her administration because many groups that want her out of Malacañang refuse to be associated with groups supporting jailed former President Joseph Estrada.

The coalition hopes to provide yet another group for the anti-Arroyo movement, which its leaders say remain fragmented and weak.

"For the middle forces who were involved in EDSA I and II, coming out to the streets means being side by side with (Estrada) and Marcos forces an idea they find unacceptable," the coalition said in an instruction sheet for the workshops it organized yesterday.

Former Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman and former Education Secretary Florencio Abad, two of the 10 Cabinet officials who turned their backs on Ms Arroyo and joined calls for her to resign last month, joined the more than a 100 people mostly wearing black or white shirts who attended the program in Mandaluyong City.

"Those who showed up in EDSA I and EDSA II are reluctant to come out now. They are confused and do not know which group to support," founding member Enteng Romano told the Inquirer.

The coalition is looking at three options to get Ms Arroyo out of her office: Resignation, impeachment and ouster.

In a statement, the coalition said Ms Arroyo cheated in the last election, citing the "Hello Garci" wiretapped conversations as proof, aside from the political developments and revelations the tape spawned.

"We believe that cheating is a moral issue, where there are no shades of gray. There is only black and white," the coalition said in a statement, explaining its official colors and name.

Students, the urban poor and wealthy personalities participated during the hour-long small-group discussions, where each shared what he or she believed to be the best option for Ms Arroyo.

Construction worker Rene Molina, 52, said the best option was impeachment.

"Members of the urban poor have grown tired of joining rallies. Since Ms Arroyo had said she would not resign, we should turn to a constitutional option, which is impeachment," Molina said in Filipino.

Housewife Estelita Zamora, 59, said Ms Arroyo should voluntarily step down and be given "a graceful exit."