Echanis to Lozada: Tell the truth, rely on the people

A three-time political detainee on Thursday came out with several pieces of advice on how to withstand pressure and persecution for National Broadband Network (NBN) deal star witness Rodolfo “Jun" Lozada. The bits of knowledge were given by Randall “Ka Randy" Echanis, the illegally detained deputy secretary general for external affairs of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). “The number one rule to withstand this type of persecution is always being true and to speak the truth. You should also stick to your principles,"Echanis said. "I have been in jail three times now and have undergone physical and mental torture by government agents but they were not able to break me, because all that I fought for was for the truth and genuine welfare of the peasantry. In the end all their attacks will come to naught and you will stand triumphant," he added. The second rule, the KMP leader said, is that Lozada - who had been receiving tremendous support from various sectors - should rely on the Filipino people. “They are always watching and supports those who they know are truly working for their benefit. They are also searching for the truth that will drive them to action against this oppressive regime," said the peasant leader. “Third, the struggle for genuine change involved many steps. Knowing and telling the truth are just the first steps, the next one is action. If we are truly for the Filipino people, then we must put our knowledge into action. We must join the whole nation in street protests to demand the ouster of the Macapagal-Arroyo regime and genuine change. We may know the truth but this will be wasted if we do not act," added Echanis. “If Jun Lozada can do all these he will not only withstand the persecution of Malacanang, because he has the peoples’ support, he will also be recognized as a full-fledged patriot of the country," ended Echanis. Lozada, who had been placed under Senate protection because of alleged threats, had been receiving numerous pledges of free legal aid from lawyers, moral support from Catholic bishops and even some monetary support. He had earlier said that he would not be joining the Friday rally. - GMANews.TV