Groups to hold anti-corruption protests until weekend

Several groups have conducted protests against corruption amid the ongoing investigation on the anomalous flood control projects in the country, with more activities planned for this weekend. 

According to Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, protests were held in different parts of Luzon. 

In Quezon City, Tindig Pilipinas held a protest in front of Edsa Shrine as they sought for an independent commission that would look into the corruption in flood control projects. 

The group was also calling for the involved government officials to release their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). 

“Hindi po pwedeng ang pinaka guilty e siya ang nagi-imbestiga dapat independent commission,” said Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña.

(Those who are guilty must not be the one to investigate, so there must be an independent commission.) 

“Tama na ang pagnanakaw, tama na ang drama. Totoong accountability naman, sana may makasuhan, sana may makulong,” said Kiko Aquino Dee of Tindig Pilipinas. 

(Enough with the stealing, enough with the drama. We need real accountability. Hopefully, someone gets charged, hopefully, someone gets jailed.) 

Meanwhile, a group of students marched in front of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First Engineering District office, whose former officials are being probed for the anomalous flood control projects. 

There were also motorists who joined the protest by honking their horns. 

Other groups will also conduct protests until Saturday. One will also be held at the EDSA Shrine and another one at the People Power Monument, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said. 

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that it is not expecting the rallies in the country to be violent just like the anti-corruption protests in Indonesia and Nepal. 

“People want accountability but not instability, so we will prevent the instability na mangyari (from happening). Nasa maximum tolerance kami. We understand that people have grievances, and it is nothing to take advantage of,” said DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News