MAT marks first anniversary
Various personalities and groups under Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) gathered at Visual Light Studio in Makati City to celebrate their first year anniversary, August 27.
Teddy Casiño, convenor of MAT said that so far it is the broadest alliance of different sectors and political forces against the Duterte government since he took in office in 2016.
MAT was established after Kian Delos Santos killing, one of the victims of Oplan Tokhang.
The group brought the resistance against Duterte’s tyranny to a higher level and made a strong opposition against extra-judicial killings and human rights abuses of the regime, Casiño added.
The group recalled their one year report and achievements amidst the tyrannical rule of the Duterte regime.
This includes the Luneta Rally where tens of thousands participated in commemorating Martial Law anniversary.
The group position against human rights abuses of the regime on International Human Rights Day last December.
They also launched an anti-Charter Change Assembly and mass action in EDSA People Power anniversary.
Together with Coalition for Justice, they held a rally in Baguio City against Quo Warranto petition of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
MAT also led the United Peoples SONA last July 23 which is the biggest anti-Duterte mobilization against charter change and dictatorship.
Sr. Mary John Mananzan, one of the convenor of MAT pointed out that since last year there is an accumulation of combustible events that will lead to a critical mass because MAT done its part and because the government made its own destruction.
She added that MAT will lead the broad movement of active and enlighten citizens against tyranny and for democracy, social justice, human rights and good governance.
She challenged the President about his repeated pronouncement of resignation.
The group made a loud and clear answer, to Duterte’s repeated threat to step down from office.
“Ok. Just Do it. Resign!” MAT told Duterte.
Meanwhile, MAT criticized the appointment of Teresita De Castro as the new Supreme Court Chief Justice and describes as a payment of the regime for her participation on the ouster of former Chief Justice Sereno.