Campaigns: Erap Watch     PRESS RELEASE 15 January 2001 Hong Kong Migrants Promise More Actions For Estrada's Resignation Filipino migrants in Hong Kong under the Erap Resign Network- HK and the United Filipinos in Hong Kong staged a picket protest in front of the Philippine Consulate today, January 15, to join the nationwide protests simultaneously held in the Philippines calling for Pres. Estrada's resignation. "The impeachment trial has verified what the people already know: Erap is guilty as hell and must resign or face ouster! Clearly, the movement to oust Estrada is hitting the right target. For the past few weeks, numerous credible witnesses have come out and exposed Estrada. Despite the antics of Estrada's lawyers and pro-Estrada senators, nobody can deny the bare facts of corruption and cronyism which has plagued his government. The seemingly indestructible administration is rapidly crumbling in the face of the widespread protest around the world," she said. Ms. Tellez claims that it would be the actions of millions of people in the streets that would ultimately force self-serving politicians and senator-judges to finally convict Mr. Estrada. "The Filipino people, both in and out of the country, should not be misled by the gimmickry of traditional politicians. The decision is ours: Erap must resign or be ousted!" ERN-HK and UNIFIL also lashed at the Philippine Consulate for its inaction with the news that certain people close to Estrada have fled investigation to stay in Hong Kong or use it as a transit point. Afraid to face up to the inquiries of the current impeachment trial, Estrada's long-time companion Laarni Enriquez and crony William Gatchalian have fled to Hong Kong and the United States. "The non-action of the Philippine Consulate against these people is a grave insult to the migrant Filipino workers," stated Ms. Cynthia Tellez, spokesperson of the Estrada Resign Network HK (ERN-HK). "While the Consulate readily hounds migrant workers for their taxes, they don't even have the guts to serve the course of justice against these people who have long been amassing questionable wealth." She encouraged migrant Filipinos to continue their militancy and vigilance until Estrada steps down. She also called for all the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the globe to push the Philippine authorities in other countries to act against the "fugitives" who are connected to Estrada and his ongoing case against the people. "The Filipino migrant workers remain steadfast in our commitment to fight side-by-side with our compatriots in the homefront against this shameless government. We shall engage in more protest actions to force the issue of Estrada's resignation or ouster," Ms. Tellez concluded.     Search our site: advance search             Back to top           1995 - 2001 (c) copyright The Mission for Filipino Migrant Workers (HK) Society e-mail: mission@migrants.net website: http://www.migrants.net