Colleagues mark Crispin Beltran's 3rd death anniversary

Colleagues on Friday marked the third death anniversary of labor leader Crispin Beltran with an activity at the Quiapo Church in Manila. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and members of Beltran's family took part in recalling Beltran's advocacy for workers, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. The activity was one of several events lined up for the day. Beltran's supporters were scheduled to visit his tomb in Sta. Maria in Bulacan; and to march to Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang to push for a P125 wage hike. Militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno said it will continue to advocate Beltran's fight for a substantial wage hike. Beltran, who had served as a House representative of the laborer class, was arrested in 2006 after then President Gloria Arroyo declared a state of emergency. At the time, he was charged with inciting to sedition and linked to an alleged plot to overthrow Arroyo. He was released in June 2007 after the Supreme Court junked the charges against him and other leftist leaders. Beltran died on May 20, 2008 after falling 14 feet while repairing the leaking roof of his house in Bulacan province. — LBG, GMA News