February 23, 2010

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino’s statements and reactions on issues and breaking news today:

On awarding of medals to arresting officers of Morong43

“We condemn it. It is a blasphemy. It is a shame and a bad example for the youth. The government is honoring torturers while torturing, prosecuting and jailing the truly honorable.”

Palatino said that they are humbled by the sacrifice and heroism of former youth leaders Jacqueline Gonzales, Janice Javier and Jane Balleta.

Gonzales was former chairperson of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications Student Council, Javier was former Student Regent of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Balleta was a former officer of Gabriela-Youth in PUP. The three are currently detained in Camp Capinpin with the rest of the Morong43.

“They are the ones deserving of honor and citation.”

On the 3^rd month commemoration of the Maguindanao massacre

“The case is far from solved and yet we now hear of Ampatuan’s kin eyeing a partylist seat in Congress. There will be no end to the Ampatuans’ audacity unless the government resolves to punish them once and for all, end the media circus and bring justice to all the victims of the massacre. ”

Department of Energy Usec. Zamzamin Ampatuan, uncle of Datu Unsay Ampatuan and nephew of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., is reportedly running for partylist under the group ADAM (Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika).

Furthermore, Palatino urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ban the Ampatuans’ immediate kin from running for any government post until the case is fully resolved.###