THE militant League of Filipino Students (LFS) said that People Power remains the best weapon of the people in advancing democracy and fighting tyranny and corruption.

The statement was made as members of the LFS joined other organizations and sectors in the seventh anniversary of People Power II that toppled then President Joseph Estrada.

The LFS made the statement as the warned that “as early as now, the people must not yet put all hopes on the 2010 elections.”

“2010 is far from now. We know by experience that Arroyo has more dirty tricks to pull from her sleeve to ensure that her administration will not end by 2010. Also, elections can only do so much, People Power pa rin! (People power still),” the LFS said.

The group also chided Malacañang reaction regarding the recent downgrade of the Philippines from “totally free” to “partially free” by international democracy watchdog Freedom House.

“We agree with the Palace, that the People know best. And the people know that Arroyo’s government has made democracy illusive,” LFS chairperson Vencer Crisostomo said.

“It is ironic that the Philippines receives the downgrade a few days before we celebrate the anniversary of People Power II, which is one of the best examples of democratic exercise. But considering that the Arroyo government has a seven year record of human rights violations, repressive measures and policies and continues to threaten press freedom, it (the downgrade) is also not surprising,” Crisostomo said.

“What is appalling is the reaction of the Palace. Instead of recognizing the problem, they continue to peddle the lie that there is democracy in the Philippines, even though they are the only ones that believe so,” he added.

Jeffrey C. Tiangco