A Tribute to Lorenzo Tañada, ‘Street Parliamentarian,’ Freedom Fighter

Due to differences regarding the 1986 snap presidential elections, Ka Tanny took a leave of absence from Bayan as he opted to participate in the elections. When Gen. Fidel Ramos and company made their move against the Marcos dictatorship, Ka Tanny immediately resumed his leadership in Bayan and started mobilizing forces for the EDSA 1 People Power uprising.

Ka Tanny, who had been undergoing kidney dialysis, finally rested in 1992 at the age of 93.

It is well known that on the day of his dialysis, Ka Tanny chose to attend the September 16, 1991 Senate deliberations on the extension of the US-RP Military Bases Treaty. After the historic vote against the rejection of the treaty, Ka Tanny, stood up and shouted as loudly as he could, “Mabuhay.”

Just a few years later, the Senate ratification of the US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement betrayed one of Ka Tanny’s greatest victories against US intervention. Ka Tanny would have been at the forefront in opposing the VFA and all other unjust policies of the current US puppet.

Present-day politicians should emulate the brilliant example of Ka Tanny and his brand of nationalism and tireless engagement in the people’s anti-fascist and anti-imperialist struggle.

Under present conditions of ever worsening poverty and inequality brought by a corrupt government that is subservient to US economic, military and geo-political interests, we celebrate Ka Tanny’s life by rallying Bayan and the Filipino people to continue his battle. Present-day activists, especially the youth, can gain inspiration from Ka Tanny who loved and served the people to his very last breath.

Today, we also remember another birthday celebrant, Ma. Luisa ‘Luing’ Posa Dominado, a human rights activist who shares the passion of Ka Tanny in standing up for freedom, justice and democracy. Ka Luing was imprisoned four times under the Marcos dictatorship. It has been one year and four months since the abduction of Luing and peasant activist Nilo Arado by three armed men in Iloilo on April 12, 2007.

Surely, Ka Tanny would have been at the forefront of Bayan rallies to demand justice for the hundreds of victims of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and all forms of human rights abuses under the Arroyo watch.

Ka Tanny is sorely missed. But he remains alive and well, strong and unbending, in the multitude of patriotic and freedom-loving Filipinos today who continue to fight for genuine democracy, freedom and social justice.

Mabuhay ang dakilang alaala ni Ka Tanny!

Isulong ang pakikibaka para tunay na kalayaan, katarungan at pambansang demokrasya!

SIGNED:

Dr. Carol Pagaduan-Araullo Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

Chairperson Secretary General