UST community to pray for conversion of corrupt leaders in anti-pork protest

A prayer for the conversion of corrupt public officials will be one of the highlights of Monday's mass action against the pork barrel system in Manila.

In its "Panalangin ng Bayan," the UST community will also ask God to encourage honesty among incumbent officials in government.

"Panibaguhin mo naman at linisin ang puso at isipan ng ibang mga lider namin na hindi tapat na naglilingkod sa taong-bayan at hindi nagmamalasakit lalo na sa Iyong mga dukha," read the prayer, which was posted on the UST central student government's Twitter account Sunday evening.

The prayer also sought courage and knowledge for leaders who are trying to serve the people and sacrifice for the poor.

It likewise sought leaders who have the interests of the people at heart.

The prayer also asks God to give Filipinos more faith and to engage in honest work.

"Mabuting Ama, pagpalain mo rin po kaming mga mamamayang Pilipino na sa liwanag ng pananampalataya, nawa'y magsumikap kami sa marangal at malinis na paghahanapbuhay para sa aming pamilya, at makipagtulungan sa mabubuting gawain para sa aming bayan upang makamit namin ang pinapangarap naming maunlad, masagana at mapayapang Sambayanang Pilipino," it said.

On Monday, members of the UST community are to join a multi-sectoral rally at the Luneta Park Monday morning to seek the abolition of the pork barrel system.

Participants have been asked to wear white as a symbol of solidarity.

Youth delegation to march to Luneta

According to an advisory sent by youth coalition Youth Act Now, the UST students will gather at Plaza Mayor in the university campus at 6 a.m.

Meanwhile, students of Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran are expected to gather at the main gates of their schools by 7 a.m.

Students from National University, San Beda College, and the University of the East - Manila will meet in front of San Beda on Mendiola by 8 a.m., the group said.

"All delegations will converge at Plaza Salamanca, Kalaw corner Taft Avenue by 9 a.m.," the group said, adding the youth delegation will march to Luneta to join the protest from there.

Also expected to join the youth march are students from the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Philippine Womens' University.

The protest marks the anniversary of a massive "million person march" against the pork barrel system held in Luneta last year.

Part of this years protest is a signature campaign for a people's initiative petition for a bill that seeks to curb discretionary spending in government. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News