Statement – Wowowee tragedy: Desperate housewives risk lives and limbs for economic survival

Gabriela expresses sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims of the stampede that happened this morning in Ultra Pasig City where more than 30,000 people lined up to watch the popular noontime game show Wowowee.

Most of the confirmed dead are women, an indication of the truth that indeed women carry the brunt of crisis and in seeking alternatives and solutions for their families' survival. These women risked their lives and limbs just for a small chance to win in a game show.

It is hard to think that these women cast their hope and slim chance for winning in game shows because they have already lost hope that the government can do something to alleviate their conditions.

We in Gabriela are sad of the lost of lives of our "kabaros". But at the same time, we are angry of this government because it cannot provide even temporary relief to the people. It is a glaring fact that the Arroyo government is even making our situation worse. Thus, in desperation, these housewives endure hunger, heat of the sun and brave crowded and long line just to be given an opportunity to participate in a game show.

Promises of help and rehabilitation would be made out of the Wowowee tragedy. However, to prevent such tragedy to happen again, the government must address the glaring problem of hunger and poverty.

Kaira Zoe Alburo
Provincial Spokesperson
Gabriela Women's Party