'Heckler' fails to see Beltran in hospital

The graduate who "heckled" President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Cavite last week, tried to visit Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) Thursday, but decided not to enter the hospital after she was informed by hospital security personnel that visiting hours was over. Members of the youth group Anakbayan who accompanied Ma. Teresa Pangilinan to the PHC in Quezon City said Beltran had requested a visit from Pangilinan when he learned she was in Metro Manila. "When Ka Bel found out that Tere (Teresa's nickname) is coming to Manila today, he immediately requested that she visit him. She graciously accepted. We are very proud of her and honored to escort her," Anakbayan national chairwoman Eleanor de Guzman said in a statement. She said Pangilinan expressed "deep admiration" for Beltran and his crusade for workers' rights and democracy. In a press statement released by Anakpawis, Beltran thanked Pangilinan “for teaching us how to literally stand up against a corrupt, illegitimate, and oppressive President." "The Arroyo administration's charge of misdemeanour against [Teresa] is a badge of honor. There is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of for speaking out for the truth and for what is right despite the odds. Theresa has exemplified the freedom of speech and adherence to the truth that she as a Mass Communications student has studied," Beltran said. "[Teresa's] bravery to literally stand up for her principles should not be censured by the government. It does not speak of ill breeding, but of growing up with discernment and honour. It is not a proof of kabastusan or kagaspangan ng ugali, it is a mark of principle. If this immature and oppressive government refuses to recognize that, it is not Theresa's problem," Beltran said. "I only wish President Arroyo had as much guts as Theresa to speak the truth," Beltran said. The Anakbayan and Pangilinan instead held an impromptu press briefing in front of the PHC lobby. Pangilinan went to the PHC along with University of the Philippines Student Council president Paolo Alfonso, CSU students, and members of the alliance Idol Ko Si KaB! (Kampanya ng KaBataan para sa pagpapalaya kay Ka Bel). They, however, arrived a few minutes past the PHC's official visiting hours. But in Malacañang, national security adviser Norberto Gonzales insisted Pangilinan should be taught a lesson in manners, and that charges should still be filed against her. Gonzales told Iglesia ni Cristo-run DZEC radio that Pangilinann should be charged for violating Art. 153 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes "tumults and other disturbances of public order" with up to six months in prison. Earlier, presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor had blinked against Pangilinan, saying Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez should not make a big deal out of the incident by having Pangilinan probed by the National Bureau of Investigation. "Lahat na mga nangyayaring ganyan kung pabayaan mo na lang mamimihasa ang lahat ng tao mga gusto maginsulto sa presidente o mangistorbo ng solemn occasion (If you leave them like that, they will get used to insulting the president and disturbing solemn occasions)," the national security adviser said.-GMANews.TV