Faith-based groups, civil society organizations and individuals are gearing up to speak out against the widespread corruption in government and demand justice and accountability at the People Power Monument.
Dubbed as the Trillion Peso March Against Corruption, the protest is set on Sept. 21, the commemoration of the declaration of Martial Law over five decades ago.
Bishop Colin Bagaforo, one of the conveners, said findings show only 40% of project budgets are being used for implementation of flood control projects while the rest are allegedly distributed to legislators is a brazen attack on the nation’s coffers.
“This was carried out without any attempt from the alleged perpetrators to hide their obscene lifestyles while most Filipinos are left to fend for themselves as their homes are wrecked by floodwaters and their loved ones are struck by flood-borne diseases,” he said.
Some 55 civil society organizations, five political parties, over 130 youth organizations are among those who will scream “Sobra na! Tama na! Ikulong na!” (Too much! Enough! Jail them!)
Another group, TAMA NA, will also be organizing a protest in Luneta in Manila on the morning of Sept. 21. Its convener, David San Juan, said just like many Filipinos, the group is fed up of leaders using the public’s resilience to mask the hardships they face because of their abuse and corruption.
“Ibalik ang ninakaw na pera ng bayan! Bawiin ang mga luxury car, mamahaling relo, signature bags at designer clothes,” he said.
Like other groups, they also demand that the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) of all government officials be accessible to the public and that they sign waivers from the Bank Secrecy Law.
Moreover, they also call for the banning of contractors and suppliers involved in anomalous transactions and those linked to public officials.
“Buwagin ang ‘small group’ sa Kongreso at ibukas sa publiko ang buong records ng mga budget hearing at bicameral conference committee.”
From Luneta, TAMA NA will also be heading to the People Power Monument and join the Trillion Peso March Against Corruption on Sunday afternoon.
Organizers are focused on demanding accountability from those responsible in the misuse of public funds that caused government infrastructure to fail many Filipino families from the effects of extreme weather events.
“Kung walang makukulong, ang galit ng tao ay hindi mamamayapa. Kailangan makita at matutuhan na ngayon pag nagnakaw ka, makukulong ka,” said Teresita Deles of Simabhana at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalian.
Aside from protests in Manila and Quezon City, there will also be rallies in Cebu, Negros, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro and Bohol.
