Friday, April 07, 2006

Militants Demand Resignation Of Cagayan De Oro Lawmaker

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Ben Balce / 07 Apr) Hundred of members of the militant group, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), picketed in front of the office of Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Constantino Jaraula and demanded his resignation after accusing the lawmaker of initiating a signature campaign for Charter change.

Bayan members on Thursday also accused the lawmaker of siding with President Gloria Arroyo to prolong their stay in power through the so-called "people's initiative" signature drive.

Christine Lim, the group's secretary general, said: "Jaraula is one of the machinery being used by GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) to initiate people's initiative."

Jaraula's side denied all the charges.

Lim also threatened to file charges against government officials taking part or using government funds for the signature campaign. "Officials who used government facilities for the campaign will be held liable," Lim said.

Lim said Jaraula should also resign as chairman on the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments. She did not elaborate.

Jaraula is one of the most respected politicians in Cagayan de Oro and many residents and village officials here were supporting the Charter change which aims to introduce political and economic reforms and the proposal to shift from presidential form of government to parliamentary system.

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