Following is a tribute by Ina Silverio to Ka Bel. Ina used to be in the staff of Rep. Beltran in the House of Representatives. She is now with the joint monitoring team in the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front.
by Ina Silverio
My boss, favorite labor leader/mass leader, kaibigan and pinakamamahal na kasama Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran died yesterday, a little before noon after sustaining massive head injuries.
No he wasn’t felled by bullets by assassins sent by the military or the government; he died because he hit his head on the pavement when he fell off the roof of his house in Bulacan. He was fixing it, most probably because it’s the typhoon season and he didn’t want to risk water leaking through fissures or cracks and flooding his and Ka Osang’s house.
I’m trying to be calm about it, because in my grief I am angry. Angry because his death was so senseless — it’s silly even! Had his fall not been fatal and had he only broken a leg or a shoulder, the entire accident would have been turned into an anecdote, a cautionary tale – one of the stories one tells about the big hearted, kind, compassionate but often stubborn great labor leader that he is. Was. I wonder how long it will be until I begin referring to Ka Bel in the past tense?
But never mind my anger. What happened — his being on the roof, a 75-year old man with a hammer, doing household work and making sure his home and family were safe from the rains — is (was?) so like Ka Bel. He lived and worked from day to day always with meaningful intent, with purpose, with the aim to protect and defend those he cared for and loved the most. And that purpose extended (oh how it it did reach outward and forward like an undeniable force of nature!) beyond his family — he embraced the working class, the Filipino people, and even the poor and oppressed of other nations.
He was a good guy. He liked to laugh- with others and even at himself. He laughed like a little boy with a good secret and he was tickled pink by it. He had a smile that made you forgive his sometimes outrageous comments (often directed against the likes of de facto president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, DOJ secretary Raul Gonzalez, national security adviser Noberto Gonzales and Executive secretary Eduardo Ermita as well as certain officials of the House of Representatives).
He was self-effacing and self-deprecating when it came to his own achievements, and in his commitment and opposition against what he he referred to as ‘the evil government’ he was fierce and fearless
He was an internationalist, a man with the highest socialist ideals, and he lived and practiced what he believed in on a daily basis. He was a good father and husband, nevermind that he was never a good provider. He shared what he had with others, be it the last crumpled P20 bill in his battered wallet, or his wide knowledge of history, politics and economics. (Those who knew him best also knew better than to start a discussion with Ka Bel about the state of the nation or the state of the economy of whatever other country — Ka Bel loved discourse, and loved a healthy discussion.
Often he’d risk being late for committee hearings or plenary because he’d gotten so involved in conversations with visitors. Thank goodness his staff are persistent – they had no qualms about dragging Ka Bel away and shooing him off to his appointments.)
I worked with and for Ka Bel for more than a decade. I became one of his staff when he was still the chairman of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) back in 1995; and when he was elected to his first term as a party-list representative of Bayan Muna in 2001, I joined his office first as his media officer, and eventually as his chief of staff. This was a post I maintained when he got elected to his second and third term under Anakpawis until I moved to the NDFP Human Rights Monitoring Committee in the Joint Monitoring Committee late in 2007. That’s a total of 12 years! I’m now 32, and I am proud to say that my most formative years as a writer, as an activist have been shaped and influenced by the likes of Ka Bel. Twelve years, and every day of it was a great honor to serve such a sincere, humble and highly-intelligent and deeply committed servant of the people.
I have to admit that this day is a day that I’ve long feared would come. Ka Bel wasn’t young, and he had diabetes and hypertension, and the last two years had been so stressful for him because of his unjust and illegal incarceration on trumped-up charges of rebellion.
I feared that the day would come when I wouldn’t hear his voice anymore in the rallies or in the plenary hall of the House of Representatives. When I wouldn’t hear his laugh or see his smile and have him grasp my hand tightly in his as he asks how I’m doing. When the Philippine labor movement would lose its staunchest, most fearless leader.
Well, that day has arrived, and no matter how I’ve prepared myself for it mentally, emotionally it’s still quite, quite difficult to bear.
Photo of Ka Bel from google and www.kalovski.blog.com
Namatay ng mahirap. Sa edad na 75, si Ka Bel ay nagpupokpok sa bubong para hindi tumulo sa loob ng bahay samantalang ang mga katulad niyang Representatives ay nasa ibang bansa o kaya ay nasa hotel o sariling mga mansion.
Si Ka Bel ang nag-iisang labor leader at representante ng mahihirap na pinoy sa kongreso ang natatangi kong pinagtitiwalaan.
Isang tunay na pusong mahirap, isang bayani ng paggawa. Ka Bel, maligayang paglalakbay sa itaas.
He was born a poor and died a poor. While his colleagues managed to accumulate wealth in their political career living in mansions and luxury, Ka Bel died fixing the roof of his humble shelter. I’m sure there are many more Ka Bels who will take his place…
He was just one of the few principled men who took all the blows from the evil bitch. Barely out of his detention, living a simple life, now he is gone. Just a freak accident killed him! Malaki siyang kawalan ng mga mahihirap.
Such inequities in life, hindi pa yung mga abusado at gahaman sa kapangyarihan ang mawala sa mundong ito. Kung sino pa yung mga walang paninindigan at nagpapakasasa sa kamunduhang kasalanan ang mga namamayagpag at buhay na buhay. The “fighters” are leaving us one by one.
May you rest in peace Ka Bel! You were a rare breed!
May he rest among the ranks of the braves at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani.
Yes, Chi, Ka Bel died poor. Hindi kasi nangurakot. I am actually one of his supporters, who tried to emulate his example of literally walking the talk, doing the impossible for the ingrates sans any hifallutin nonsense and college degrees.
Talk of a man of the masses, Ka Bel sure is one. Walang ninakaw iyan. Saan ka nakakita ng isang Congressman na siya pa ang gagawa ng pagtatakip ng mga butas sa bubong ng barong-barong niya? Siya lang kasi kahit iyong sueldo niya bilang Congressman ang alam ko ibinibigay niya sa organization niya para sa mga abang manggagawa ng Pilipinas.
When he was in Tokyo, he told us about how he tried to fight against the high cost of electricity by not paying his electric bills to the Meralco. Wala tuloy silang ilaw sabi niya.
At least, siya pihadong mahaharap niya ang Panginoon sa Langit ng malinis ang puso niya di gaya ng mga kasama niya sa Kongreso na mga kurakot. May he rest in peace!
Kaya sinong may sabing kailangang college degree holders lang ang puedeng umupo sa gobyerno? Tarantado din ang may panukala niyan as a matter of fact, for wisdom is something one does not gain in a classroom, and it is more important than knowledge based on the precepts of men. Tignan ninyo na lang sa Pilipinas, puro abogado (or should I say abogago) ang mga tumatakbo sa Kongreso, Senado at umuupo sa gobyerno, meron pang economissed, pero gumanda ba ang takbo ng buhay sa Pilipinas?
Ka Bel proved them all wrong as a matter of fact. Iyong pagpapakulong sa kaniya, abuso, and attempt of the crooks to prove their point that in the Philippines, “no money, no honey.” Kung mahirap ka, manigas ka!!!
BAYANI!
Life just ain’t fair! Why Ka Bel and not the evil bitch Gloria?
Isinilang na Masa, inihandog ang buhay sa Masa … Paalam KA BEL…, padayon.
It’s ironic that Ka Bel has gone before his tormentor, the SiRaulo of the DOJ. Much as we would like Ka Bel to stay, maybe, it is time for him to go. Out there are a lot of people who can take his place. Kailangan lang nilang maging kasingtapang niya.
On the other hand, the least that a grateful nation can offer and do is a state funeral and a half-mast for Ka Bel.
For Filipinos in the Kanto Area, please be informed that we shall have a tribute for Ka Bel on Friday from 7:30-9:30 pm after our rally at the US Embassy re the rape of the Filipina in Okinawa. Please contact B at 090-9102-3617 for direction and information.
Meanwhile, I hope Gloria Dorobo will have the delikadeza not to pretend condoling and sympathizing with the family of Ka Bel, for she is the main reason why he had not enjoyed reaping the fruits of his labor during these last years before his death.
Meron ngang nakasalang na kaso laban sa kaniya, as a matter of fact. Just a few weeks ago, we read in the newspapers about the plan of the unconfirmed Secretary of InJustice to revive those cases, though unproven and long past some statute of limitation, against Ka Bel and his fellow commies (daw)!
Kaya puede ba, huwag nang umarte si Gloria Dorobo. Pag umarte pa siya diyan, talagang talamak na ang pagkamakapal na mukha niya. Insulto sa alaala ni Ka Bel lalo na kung ipapapadala niya doon si Medy-perencia para magbigay ng malaking abuloy galing sa kaban ng bayan. The best show of sympathy that she can do is step down, ngayon na, now na!
Ka Bel: Working hero and a patriot.
It’s so inspiring to read tribute to Ka Bel. Principled. He eschewed material wealth and dedicated his life to the upliftment of workers’ lot.
to die fixing ones roof is really much more heroic than to die counting millions from corruption whom many of our politicians are bound to.
BTW, when Ka Bel came here, ginamit pa siya ng Philippine Embassy para makiusap doon sa mga parliamentarian na mga hapon ang pagsulong ng mga hinihiling ni Gloria Dorobo sa Hapon. Diplomatic naman siya. Siyempre, pangiti-ngiti lang siya. Pamasahe niya nanggaling pa sa pondo ng mga NGO na connected sa movement nila, walang galing sa gobyerno kahit na iyong libreng accommodation na kami ang nag-provide kasi nga ipinangako niya na iibahin niya ang image ng mga politiko sa Pilipinas.
Malayong-malayo doon sa mga sugo ni Dorobo from the Philippine Congress at Senate na puro Imperial Hotel, etc. na mga 5-star hotel ang tinutuluyan bayad ng buwis ng taumbayan gaya ng pagpunta-punta dito noong Egcel Lagman, et al. Puro mandarambong naman.
Nakakahinayang na yumao na siya pero all for the best na rin. Matatahimik na siya. Iniligtas na rin siya ng Panginoon a marami pang siphayong mararanasan niya at ng mga kababayan niya sa ilalim ng pamamalakad na pulpol noong Dorobo.
BTW, ang ibig sabihin ng dorobo sa Japanese, “magnanakaw” na para sa mga tao dito kasimbigat din ng pagpatay ng kapwa.
You said it very well, norpil.
Naala-ala ko ng abusuhin ni Gloria at siRaulo ang karapatang pantao ni Ka Bel at walang warrant of arrest ay pinusasan at ikinulong ang matanda ng walang bail. Nang magkasakit nang malubha sa kulungan ay saka lang dinala sa ospital. Wala ring sapat na pera na pambayad at ginawan lang ng kontribusyon nang mga nakakaangat sa buhay na kasama/kaibigan. (Tama ba ang aking rekoleksyon?).
Maligaya na si Gloria at siRaulo, noong pa nila gustong patayin sa Ka Bel. Kaya tama na ang hypocrisy na pakikiramay.
Malaking kawalan sa mga kasama nating manggagawa. I admire the man. May he rest in peace.
Ang ibig pa ngang ipalabas ni Gloria Dorobo at SiRaulo, hindi makakalaban si Ka Bel sa kanila dahil wala siyang pera. Hindi nila alam na may mga handang tumulong kay Ka Bel. Sa Japan nga, nang makulong siya, mga parliamentarian dito kumilos. Ang alam ko nagpadala sila ng sulat via sa Philippine Embassy para kay Gloria Dorobo. Lahat ng ODA para sa Pilipinas ipapahinto. E di natakot si ungas.
Di naman lahat ng bansa may mga inutil sa gobyernong tinambakan ng mga hambug, mayabang, switik at matapobre. Komo walang titulo at degree ang tao, ininsulto pa ng mga may doctorate kuno sa Economics pero daig di hamak noong walang college diploma sa pagbilang ng pera sa pamamagitan lamang ng daliri ng kamay at paa 😛 , at mas nakakaintindi ng hirap ng mga ginugutom noong mga pulpol na economist daw. Mas mataas pa nga ang paggalang ng mga kapwa niya mga kongresista sa ibang bansa si Ka Bel sa totoo lang kesa doon sa mga kurakot ng Philippine Congress at Senate sa totoo lang.
Attention GSIS Pensioners,
Nasa puso rin ni Ka Abel ang mga manggagawa sa gobierno. Pareho rin sinasalanta ng nakakataas. Kumakain din ng bigas. Nagdusa din si Ka Abel sa pahirap na dulot ng Meralco. At alam ba ninyo, sa likod ng ‘efficient and prompt service’ ads ng GSIS hangin lang pala. Kung di pa sunod sunod na email tungkol sa 13th month pension,napundi rin at ngayon lang nabigay. Ibig sabihin, di kusang nagbibigay ng 13th month pesion. Hinahanda sa pagbile ng Meralco. Malinis na pera at di subject sa COA at kahit very late mabigay.
Maraming anakpawis ang matatapang pero hanggang kalingkingan lang sila sa tapang, honesty at dedikasyon ni Ka Bel sa sector na kanyang kinakatawan at ipinaglaban. Isa lang si Ka Bel!
I may not agree with all issues he fought for in his long life of struggle and sacrifices. But I must I admit, I admire the man for his humble ways, his consistency in his convictions, and the fearless fervor with which he stands up for these, however radical they may seem.
A brave warrior and true patriot many of us here can only hope to emulate. God bless his soul.
Several years in Congress, yet the man can’t even afford to hire the neighborhood carpenter. Compared to the Pidal trio in Congress who never had professions (except maybe for Mikey who made a few lousy movies) yet they are among the richest congressmen: Dato-P83M, Mikey-P94M, Iggy-P145M!
To top it all, the Philippines again makes it to Transparency International’s 8 MOST CORRUPT Countries in the World. Six are from Africa with Russia and the Philippines making it to the Hall of Shame.
A not-surprising “achievement” by the band of thieves in Malacañang.
Napanood ko noon January ’87 sa Channel 7 kay Louie Beltran ang Straight from the Shoulder.
Sa isang episode, may tanong: Are you a communist? yes or no
At sinagot ng isa sa mga guest: i am a marxist
Buhay ang diwa ng ipinaglalaban ni Mang Crispin!
—-nagmula ako sa Rizal Technological College
Tongue:
Kaya marami ring putang Russian sa Japan. All the poor countries’ prostitutes just seem to love coming to the land of the fluctuating yen. Kung alam lang nila ang mga reklamo ng mga pilipinang may asawang hapon!!! 😉
I mourn the passing of a giant in the present Congress of the Philippines. He worked not only for the workers and the poor, he was a worker and poor unto the end!!!
I served with Ka Bel in Bayan during the Martial Law years. I saw, heard and touched his ardent love and devotion to the poor and the workers. I shared many fora, debates and mass actions with Ka Bel during the martial Law years and after EDSA 1, both in Bayan as well as in the beginning of the Peoples Caucus. Ka Bel had always the spark hope in his Heart and eyes and a simle in his face in facing the harsh realities of a long struggle…
There are people who work for the poor; others who work with the poor; and still others who lived not only for the poor and the poor but has always remained poor! Ka Bel did…!
I always cherish my work and struggle besides Ka Bel… He was not fallen by a bullet… but he died as a worker… and the MAN WAS ALL THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE.
Jun Mercado, OMI
Let’s turn to Arroyo family members…The instant wealth of Representatives Mikey Arroyo, Dato Arroyo and Iggy Arroyo is amazing.
The total assets of the Arroyo boys amount to almost P400 million. Certainly, Mikey and Dato have no visible legitimate businesses. Iggy used to default in his house rentals in Bacolod before he became a congressman. Did Mikey declare the fleet of racehorses he owns? Did the three Arroyos declare the more than 20 luxury cars and vans they have in their huge La Vista garages? What happened to Iggy Arroyo’s Jose Pidal investment accounts in San Francisco, worth $5 million?
Jun Mercado,
Saan ang mas maganda ang makibaka, ngayon o noon.
grizzy,
May experience ako diyan sa Moscow. Napakagandang chick, supersexy, teenager, daig ang mga artista sa Tate. Ibinebenta ng bugaw ng 400 dollars nung tanggihan namin bumaba ng 200 hanggang naging 100. Di naman namin kinuha pero binigyan kami ng picture ng babae at telepono ng bugaw na nakaprint sa likod. Nagbiruan nga kami kung bakit di namin inuwi sa Pinas, hehehe.
I was saddened by the news that ka Bel passed away. Naaalala ko pa nung panahong lagi akong kasama sa mga pagkilos at pagmamartsa sa mga lansangan. Madalas kong makasama si Ka Bel sa mga pagtitipon para sa mga manggagawa. Nagsimula ang aming mga aktibidades noong dekada 80 nang magtrabaho ako sa isang NGO…..mula sa pagtatanggol ng karapatang pantao hanggang sa kaligtasan at kalusugan sa lugar paggawa si Ka Bel ay nakakasalimuha ko.
Mahabang panahon na rin ang kanyang ipinagsilbi sa bayan, sana lamang ang kanyang naiwang simulain ay ipagpatuloy ng mga naiwang kasama niya. Nakikiramamy ako sa kanyang mga naulila, pamilya, kapwa manggagawa, at mga taong may iisang adhikain sa pakikibaka para sa tuluyang kalayaan ng sambayanang Pilipino! GOD BLESS YOU KA BEL!!!
gawin mang abo ng kalikasan ang katawan ni Crispin Beltran: manatiling buhay-na-buhay ang kanyang maka-bayaning adhikain para sa pag-unlad ng kultura, ekonomiya, at pulitika ng Filipinong uring manggagawa.
kasama ng aking pamilya, ako’y nagpupugay, at nakikiramay sa naiwang maybahay, pamilya, anak, at mga kaibigan ni Ka Bel.
mabuhay ang uring manggagawa!
jun mercado, the blogger above, ellenville’s most recent contributor, is the president of vast network (and respectable, too) of notre dame university-based schools prominent in Mindanao.
friends do often refer to him, simply as ‘Jun’. otherwise, his more formal address is Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI.
welcome aboard, Jun.
fyi: OMI–Oblates of Mary Immaculate
FIXING A HOLE by the Beatles
I’m fixing a hole where the rain gets in
And stops my mind from wandering
Where it will go
I’m filling the cracks that ran through the door
And kept my mind from wandering
Where it will go
And it really doesn’t matter if I’m wrong I’m right
Where I belong I’m right
Where I belong.
See the people standing there who disagree and never win
And wonder why they don’t get in my door
I’m painting my room in the colourful way
And when my mind is wandering
There I will go
And it really doesn’t matter if I’m wrong I’m right
Where I belong I’m right
Where I belong.
Silly people run around they worry me
And never ask me why they don’t get past my door
I’m taking the time for a number of things
That weren’t important yesterday
And I still go
I’m fixing a hole where the rain gets in
And stops my mind from wandering
Where it will go
Welcome, Fr. Jun.
tongue,
chewing gum lang noon.
Golden,
“…Nagsimula ang aming mga aktibidades noong dekada 80 nang magtrabaho ako sa isang NGO…..mula sa pagtatanggol ng karapatang pantao hanggang sa kaligtasan at kalusugan sa lugar paggawa si Ka Bel ay nakakasalimuha ko…”
zen2,
“…maka-bayaning adhikain para sa pag-unlad ng kultura, ekonomiya, at pulitika ng Filipinong uring manggagawa…”
I appreciate the efforts. But over two decades went in decay, of what was started but still going down, going and no end in sight into a chasm of fears, of poverty, of everything that went wrong, all that we never dreamed of before.
dito natin makikita ung tunay na hustisya. he died poor, but died keeping his honor. some people die filthy rich without it. the perpetual value of honor conferred unto one’s name is worth more than all the riches of this world.
ka bel, though we belong to different generations, ay isand tunay Tao, Kristiyano, at Pilipino. an honor to have seen the man fight for what is right in this lifetime.
Just sharing:
—– Original Message —–
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:11 PM
Subject: Photos/Text: Ka Bel
Please visit:
http://www.arkibongbayan.org/
Or go directly to:
http://www.arkibongbayan.org/2008-05May21-kabelatifi/kabel1.htm
for photos of the march and tribute to Ka Bel at the IFI Cathedral.
Arkibong Bayan Web Team
If the late Ka Bel is reported to be the poorest solon, who is or are the richest party list Leftist solons? Their names should be known. I heard some even ride on luxurious vehicles. They are very unfair to Ka Bel and the rest of the Leftist solons. They are a shame !
para kay ka bel…
ang magbuhos ng dugo para sa bayan
ay kagitingang hindi malilimutan
ang katawang inialay sa lupang mahal
mayaman sa aral at kadakilaan…
sabi nila wala na raw hero material sa panahong ito pero bakit kailangan pang mamatay ang isang huwarang tao bago siya ituring na bayani. mamimiss ka namin sa mga rallies para patalsikin ang isang pekeng pangulo! OUST GMA!
mabuhay ka ka bel!
Ka Bel,
Isa kang huwaran! Maligayang paglalakbay tungo sa ating Maykapal! Totoong ma-mi-miss ka ng mga tao! Sayang, you may not witness GMA’s coming downfall, but am sure you’ll help us pray, to make it sooner!
Mabuhay ka, Ka Bel!!!
“The sad irony of Pinoy society: a patriot dies fixing the house, a tyrant continues to survive by destroying it.
-TonGuE-tWisTeD”
There will never be any Ka Bel anymore but I hope that his works and struggles will dwell in every heart of his people and guide them to end the tyrants of our generation and the next.Mabuhay ka,Ka Abel,many of our heroes died without seeing the light of dawn but it happens,we will miss you….
We just had an informal gathering with some Japanese friends of Ka Bel. Iisa lang ang wish ng lahat—sana dumami pa ang katulad ni Ka Bel, politikong tapat sa sinumpaan at hindi nagpayaman.
Blessing in disguise na rin siguro ang nangyari. At least, hindi na siya makakasuhan ni Gloria Dorobo, et al dahil galit na galit sila doon sa hindi niya pagtanggap ng suhol para na rin sa tangkang pagsira ng pangalan, pagkatao, etc. ng abang mama pero marangal. Remember iyong sinumbong na pagtatangkang suhulan siya noong Ver kamakailan lang? Pahiya sila. At kahit na wala siyang college degree, masipag siyang nakagawa ng mga panukala para sa manggagawang pilipino at nadaig pa iyong economissed na may PhD daw! Pwe!
May his tribe increase. 29 ang apo niya. Sana kagaya din sila ng lolo nila! At pag dumami na sila, siguro naman gaganda na ang Pilipinas lalo na kung malamangan nila ang dami ng mga kurakot ngayon!
Isang usap-usapan sa tribute namin kay Ka Bel kagabi ay ang kaniyang honesty. Ito palang mga kongresista kapag pumupunta sa ibang bansa ay nangunguha ng mga souvenir sa eroplano, hotel, etc. Pati kumot daw kinokolekta, kaya may isang beses daw na nagtanungan ang mga mokong kung anu-ano ang pinagkukuha nila, payabangan pa. Si Ka Bel lang daw ang hindi kumikibo. Nang tanungin nila kung ano ang kinuha niyang souvenir sa eroplano halimbawa, walang salitang ipinakita ng matanda ang toothpick na tinago daw niya at hindi na ginamit. Nang tanungin siya kung bakit, ang sagot daw niya ay nagandahan siya doon sa curving sa dulo ng toothpick. At least, hindi daw nakaw kundi bigay na sa kaniya. Hindi na lang niya ginamit.
Kung ganyan ang lahat ng politikong pilipino, pihadong kulong na ang mga katulad ni Gloria Dorobo and Company kasama na iyong asawang nagpapapayat daw para hindi na tawaging batsoy! Pero lalong pumangit ang itsura. Pwe!
FYI, the lawyer of former DOJ Sec. Nani Perez is Atty. Jesus Santos, Mike Arroyo’s lawyer. Now, who says Perez’s case at Ombudsman is real and not for show?
Just sharing:
—– Original Message —–
Sent: Sunday, May 25, 2008 7:41 PM
Subject: Photos/Text: Partylist groups pay tribute to Ka Bel, Part III
Partylist groups led by Ka Bel’s own Anakpawis held a parangal at the IFI Cathedral last May 24. Some senators, including the Senate President, and former President Joseph Estrada delivered their eulogies.
Please visit:
http://www.arkibongbayan.org/
Included in the postings (Part II) are tributes and messages of condolence from groups and individuals here and abroad.
Arkibong Bayan Web Team