A tribute to Ka Romy Abaya

By LUIS G. JALANDONI
Member, National Executive Committee
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) mourns the death of Ka Romy Abaya and extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife Fanny and the rest of his family, his other relatives and his many friends. The NDFP honors Ka Romy Abaya as an outstanding cadre of the national democratic movement.

By LUIS G. JALANDONI
Member, National Executive Committee
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) mourns the death of Ka Romy Abaya and extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife Fanny and the rest of his family, his other relatives and his many friends.

The NDFP honors Ka Romy Abaya as an outstanding cadre of the national democratic movement.

He exemplified in his self-effacing manner the fundamental principle of serving the people. In everything he did, he had the good of the Filipino people at heart. He used his talents and skills to advance the people’s struggle for national and social liberation.

His wide scope of involvement proves his deep commitment to serve the people. He was an active member of SELDA, enthusiastic supporter of KARAPATAN and EMJP. He was a key organizer of vendors in the University of the Philippines and helped them establish a thriving cooperative.

He assisted in setting up the Estrada Resign Movement – San Juan chapter in Erap’s own bailiwick. He then played a significant role, as a successful businessman, in broadening the reach of the anti-corruption and good governance campaign of PLUNDER WATCH especially among the middle forces, professionals and business people. He became active in ACT NOW! (Action Against Corruption and Tyranny Now) which took up corruption issues under the Arroyo regime, such as the Peace Bonds, Jancom garbage contract, the Diosdado Macapagal Avenue scam, the plunder at PAGCOR and the controversy over the new international airport built by PIATCO, among others. Besides all these undertakings, he would regularly join in the many marches and demonstrations on a wide range of people’s issues.

It is therefore not surprising that his commitment and achievements led to his election as a National Council Member of BAYAN in the 2004 Congress of BAYAN.

Despite the cancer that was ravaging his body, he kept up his commitment and continued his involvement in the people’s issues, to the extent possible. He served the people to his very last breath. He is a hero of the Filipino people.

The national democratic movement shall sorely miss Ka Romy Abaya. But his spirit will live on in the hearts of the Filipino people who carry forward the struggle for genuine independence and democracy, for national and social liberation with a socialist perspective.

Mabuhay si Ka Romy Abaya!
Mabuhay ang pambansang demokratikong rebolusyon!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!