Punk's not dead, especially at anti-'pork' rally

What is a protest action without music?

For Monday's anti-pork barrel gathering at the historic Luneta Park, music was provided by, among others, Pinoy punk legends Bad Omen, a decades-old band known for their scathing songs condemning the ills of society.

"Initiative namin na gamitin ang music para ipahayag ang discontent sa PDAF,” said band member Chuck Baclagon, referring to the Priority Development Assistance Fund, the formal name of pork barrel fund received by lawmakers every year.

“Collection ng protest songs ang pine-perform nila," added Baclagon.

Punk Philippines, composed of fans of the punk music genre, was one of the groups that initiated the anti-pork barrel pocket protest. Some 50 of its members were present during the rally.

Baclagon described the punk genre as a counter-cultural movement in the Philippines.

"May community kami sa Facebook at doon nabuo... magsagawa ng ganito ngayon," he said.

Bad Omen has been a mainstay in the punk scene since the 1990s. During their performance on Monday, they dedicated their songs to the public or, in their words, "sa ating lahat na nanakawan dahil nanakawan din kami."

Another group that used music to show its condemnation on the misuse of pork barrel was Body of Christ in the Philippines, which was composed of evangelical churches. They conducted a Jericho March.

"Gaya ng example sa Bible, nag-collapse ang Wall of Jericho nang kumanta at sumigaw ang mga tao paikot. Sana dito mag-collapse din ang roots of corruption," said Larry Perez, the group's liaison officer.

Meanwhile, a non-government organization (NGOs) Balay Rehabilitation Center set up a "freedom wall" to let the people express their outrage over pork barrel.

Benny Pelicano, an instructional manager and alternative learning system (ALS) teacher, said they were saddened that NGOs are demonized in the pork barrel issue.

"Masakit kasi ang NGO na tulad namin na nakakatulong ay ngayon nadadamay," she said.

Balay Rehabilitation Center helps children who are victims of torture and violence to cope with life.

The NGO started the freedom wall around 8 a.m. and will stay until the protest rally ends.

On the other hand, the group Socialista Incorporated/Occupy Philippines held a silent protest with one of its members wearing a mask and holding a placard while other members distributed flyers. — KBK, GMA News