Fisherfolk welcomes new anti-poverty Czar; calls to investigate Rocamora’s
mysterious wealth
Manila, Philippines – The militant fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya-Pilipinas) conveys its warmest congratulations to the newly-appointed head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Liza Maza.
Pamalakaya said that Liza Maza will be the most competent, principled and people-oriented NAPC Chief who will genuinely address the ongoing poverty as she herself is deeply rooted in the people’s movement fighting for the rights and welfare of the most impoverished sectors of the country, including fisherfolk.
A former Gabriela Women’s Party solon, Liza Maza is also a co-convener together with Pamalakaya of the broad alliance, Pilipinong Nagkakaisa Para sa Soberanya (P1NAS) and a long time colleague in the pursuit of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pamalakaya hopes that NAPC will take the fisherfolk at its center stage of its priorities, the sector being the country’s poorest among the poor sector.
“We hope that NAPC will address the ongoing plight of the fishers. Fishers have been denied just government support under Aquino regime,” Salvador France, Pamalakaya vice-chairperson said in a statement.
Pamalakaya meanwhile expressed doubt on the various fisherfolk non-government organizations (NGOs) established during the term of Maza’s predecessor, Joel Rocamora.
“Who are these organizations? Are these fisherfolk organizations genuinely helping the poor fishers or are these fund-based organizations that serve as conduits of officials like Rocamora, to rip off government funds intended for the betterment and welfare of the fisherfolk?” France queried.
Former NAPC head Rocamora is among the Cabinet members of former President Aquino whose net worth has doubled from P15.65M in 2014 to P27.44M in 2015.
“The sudden soar of Rocamora’s net worth is mind boggling. Former anti-poverty Czar’s wealth had doubled while chronic poverty is still prevalent and unresolved. We are yearning to know the truth behind Rocamora’s mysterious wealth,” France said.
Pamalakaya said they are ready to help NAPC head Maza for the formulation of genuine poverty-alleviation programs that will truly address the long running poverty among the Filipino people. ###
