FARMERS AND FISHERS GROUPS SLAM SENATE COUP, DELA ROSA CUSTODY

Progressive farmers’ and fisherfolk groups Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA), in separate statements, condemned the recent Senate leadership change and the granting of protective custody to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

KMP denounced the removal of Senate President Tito Sotto and the installation of Senator Allan Peter Cayetano on May 11 following a 13-9-2 vote.

The group described the move as a "brazen coup" by pro-Duterte forces meant to stall the Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment and shield the dynasty from corruption charges.

According to KMP, this power grab occurred while ordinary Filipinos suffer from soaring prices and poverty, suggesting the leadership change was a scheme to shield the Vice President from public scrutiny.

On May 12, the fishers’ group PAMALAKAYA also slammed the Senate for granting protective custody to Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa, a key ally of the Vice President, recently returned to the Senate after a six-month absence, which coincided with a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding his role in the previous administration’s war on drugs.

PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson Fernando Hicap described the Senate’s action as a "betrayal of the public interest," particularly to the victims of "Oplan Tokhang."

The group questioned the use of taxpayers' money to provide additional protection for Dela Rosa while he faces serious international charges.

Both groups demanded the immediate arrest of Dela Rosa and the continuation of the Vice President's impeachment trial.

The groups announced that they will join protest actions to demand the recovery of stolen public funds and to ensure that all officials are held accountable for their actions.