[Info-Bureau] statement of condemnation against the killing ofCaloy Rodriguez

STATEMENT OF CONDEMNATION AGAINST THE KILLING OF FELLOW WATER WARRIOR CARLO "CALOY" RODRIGUEZ   With deepest rage, we are condemning the atrocious killing of our fellow unionist and water warrior, Carlo "Caloy" Rodriguez, President of Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Manggagawa ng Calamba Water District,  an affiliate of WATER.   Caloy was a real union leader and a good public servant. He was one of the pioneers of WATER when it was still struggling to expand its membership and campaigning for recognition as a national federation of water districts and utilities' employees unions. Together with the leaders of WATER, he stood pat for genuine unionism against the yellow unionism being promoted by a pseudo leader claiming to represent water district employees.    He was a staunch critic of privatization including bulk water supply projects and Private and Public Projects which put at risk not only the jobs and job security of the water district workers but also the basic social services needed by our marginalized countrymen. As a Customer Service Assistant in the City's Water District, he served with utmost integrity. As a union leader, he transformed the NLM-CWD into a militant, progressive and nationalist union and propelled it to its 1st and 2nd Collective Negotiations Agreement, fought for better pay, improved working conditions and full union recognition. He created a union-education program meant to consolidate and strengthen the NLM-CWD.   The manner and pattern by which he was killed is telltale sign that nothing has really change despite the promise made by the new Aquino administration. The culture of impunity still persists because nothing is being done to prosecute those responsible for the more than 800 victims of political killings of its predecessor. Worst, there have been 22 politically-motivated deaths (including Caloy) under the Aquino administration that has vowed to lead the country towards the "correct path".     Caloy's death shall not be in vain for we vow to continue his struggles for the workers, against privatization and for a truly free and humane society.     National Secretariat Office: 118 Sct. Rallos Street, Quezon City, Philippines Tel Nos:(632)9295342; Email:waterphils@yahoo.com