Starbucks keeps away from protests

Rustan Coffee, the authorized licensee of Starbucks Coffee in the Philippines, emphasized yesterday that it had no involvement in last night’s silent protest action against President Arroyo held at its coffee shops located across Metro Manila.

In a letter sent to The Star, the company said it had nothing to do with the Black Friday Protest Movement’s campaign to gather professionals, businessmen, and students at Starbucks outlets for a peaceful expression of disapproval of the Arroyo government.

Alexandra Bustalino said Rustan Coffee "is in no way affiliated with groups or
individuals" out to mobilize the rich in the innovative protest action against the President.

"As a company, we value diversity and respect the views and opinions of individuals who patronize our locations but maintain a position of neutrality in all matters," Bustalino said, speaking on behalf of Starbucks.

"We are dedicated to providing a safe and friendly environment for customers regardless of views and opinions and will continue to ensure the safety and security of our partners and our customers as this remains a priority for us," she added.

Rustan Coffee issued the statement after the group "eLagda" launched on Thursday the Black Friday Protest Movement seeking to provide the middle class with a venue for expressing their disapproval of Mrs. Arroyo and her state of emergency declaration.

The Black Friday Protest Movement urged professionals, businessmen and students to wear black and troop to the nearest Starbucks Coffee branch between 6 and 7:00 p.m. last night.

The people were asked to buy drinks and thereafter condemn Mrs. Arroyo’s Executive Order 464, which bans Cabinet, military and police officials from attending congressional hearings without written permission from the President, and Proclamation No. 1017, which declared a state of national emergency, by flashing a "thumbs down" before leaving the pricey coffee shops.

The protest went on with its Starbucks "raid" last night despite the President’s decision to lift Proclamation 1017 earlier yesterday.

Vicente "Enteng" Romano of eLagda and the Black and White Movement said every Friday will be a Black Friday Protest day beginning with yesterday’s action and the venue for each week’s silent protest will be announced before every weekend.

Romano said the first Black Friday Protest was successful with a good turnout by people from the middle class.

Among those who went to Starbucks in 6750 Makati City were Reps. Gilbert Remulla and Joel Villanueva and actress Gloria Diaz.