What gifts do you wish for on the feast of the three kings?

MANILA, Philippines – The people can’t live on Corona and Arroyo trials alone.

Multi-sectoral group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) stressed this point in a press release timed for the Feast of the Three Kings. stressed this point in a press release timed for the Feast of the Three Kings.

Traditionally the last day of the Christmas celebrations in Catholic tradition, the Feast of the Three Kings commemorates the visit of the three wise men who visited the newborn Jesus and brought him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In the press release, the group reminded President Benigno S. Aquino III that the people are not only wishing for the conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona and his patron Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for their misdeeds.

Equally important for the poor, said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr., is “the resolution of their perennial economic woes.”

Bayan issued its statement to launch what it called the “Wish List of the Masses” for the New Year.   The list enumerates what the group considers the “best gifts” long desired by the people.

During the launch, held at the Nepa Q-Mart in Quezon City, activists dressed as the “Three Kings” asked passers by to pick their “wish” for the year.

Bayan’s wish list includes the usual litany of ever increasing prices of basic goods and services, joblessness, lack of livelihood, depressed wages, onerous taxes, landlessness among the peasants, and lack of social services including health, education, and housing, among others.

Highlighted in the press statement is the recent announcement by private  concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company of another round of increase in water rates as well as the recent round of fuel increases implemented by the oil firms.

The group warned the Aquino administration that it may lose whatever political brownie points it may gain from efforts to oust Corona and make Arroyo accountable if the above mentioned “gut issues.”

Do you agree? What gifts do you think could the government best give the country on the Feast of the Three Kings?  – Rappler.com