SEPTEMBER 16, 1991 was a shining moment of nationalism as the Senate majority rejected the renewal of the US-RP Military Bases Agreement. But a nation with political leaders of short memory will be shackled anew to the chains of the past. The aggressive efforts of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to welcome US troops deployment and offer Philippine territory for America are completely wasting the victory of September 16, 1991.

Though she has back-tracked on her pronouncement of support to the US war on Iraq, Macapagal continues her aggressive promotion of longer Balikatan exercises in more areas other than Basilan and Central Luzon. We render today the highest tribute to the MAGNIFICENT 12 who voted NO against the extension of US bases. We strongly urge our dear Senators today to stand firmly against the return of US military bases via Balikatan exercises and the proposed Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA).

We ask the Senators to please spare our nation, especially the women and youth from prostitution, human rights abuses, toxic waste pollution, and other social ills suffered in the former US military bases. The Apostle Paul was marveling at the haste that the Galatians took in abandoning the liberative gospel to a distortion of the truth that will in effect chain once again the believers to a burdensome woe of law-obedience. They have forgotten too soon the long struggle and defeat they often suffered under the demands of the Law and were ready again to embrace these burdens with open arms.

The Apostle Paul warned the Galatian Christians to be vigilant lest they be under servitude again: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of slavery." (Gal. 5:1)

Never again submit ourselves to a yoke of slavery!
Out with the US Troops Now!
Resist the US Intervention in Philippine Affairs!
Uphold Philippine Sovereignty!

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