Over 200 sectoral, church groups to rally vs corruption on September 21

More than 200 sectoral groups and church organizations are set to hold twin rallies in Metro Manila on September 21, Sunday, to protest the massive corruption behind the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

Students from various universities, religious leaders, members of 1Sambayan, Federation of Free Workers, and Akbayan Youth,among others, are expected to assemble at Rizal Park in Manila at 9 a.m. and at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City at 2 p.m. for the “Trillion Peso March” (TPM) on September 21.

Incidentally, the protests will coincide with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martiallLaw in 1972 by the late president Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., the father of the current chief executive. 

“‘Yung brazenness ng katiwalian, sobrang naging halata nitong nakaraang mga linggo, kaya maraming naghahananap ng lugar para magkaroon ng kilos-protesta,” TPM Spokesperson Francis Aquino Dee  told reporters on Monday. 

(The brazenness of the corruption has become evident in the recent weeks. This has triggered people to look for places to organize protest actions.)

“May dalawang nag-organize sa iba’t ibang parte ng Metro Manila kaya kung saan tayo komportable o malapit, we can go there,” he said.

(Two groups have organized protests in various areas in Metro Manila so the public can go to the areas nearest or most convenient for them.)

At least 15,000 protesters are expected to participate in the rally at the EDSA Shrine, according to Dee. He also said simultaneous protests were also being staged in other parts of the country that includes Negros Island, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio City, and Bohol.

“Ang napagkasunduan ay magco-converge ang mga movements dito sa Manila sa People Power Monument ng 2 p.m. sa September 21,” he added. 

(We agreed to converge at the People Power Monument at 2 p.m.)

Meanwhile, the organizers said they have already coordinated with the local government units (LGUs) of Quezon City and the City of Manila to secure proper permits and ensure the safety of the participants. 

“Alam naman nila na napakahalaga nito sa ating taumbayan. Naniniwala tayo na hindi nila hahadlangan ang ating karapatan na malayang magpahayag at ano’t anuman, nakahanda ang taumbayan na ipahayag pa rin ang nais nating ipahayag,” David San Juan, TAMA NA Convenor, said. 

(They know how important these rallies are for our countrymen. We believe they will not hinder our rights to free speech among others and that whatever happens, we the people are ready to convey our message.)

Among the demands of the groups are as follows:

• The removal and arrest of all individuals involved in the anomalous flood control projects.
• The return of ill-gotten wealth such as luxury cars, and designer items of all erring contractors, officials, and politicians.
• The abolition of all pork barrel funds and secret confidential and intelligence funds.
• The Opening of all Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) and lifting of bank secrecy law of all government officials.
• The disclosure and banning of all contractors and suppliers involved in corruption and who have links to legislators and government officials.
• The elimination of the ’small group’ in Congress.
• The ban on political dynasties and corrupt government systems.

No anti-government agenda

Meanwhile, Fr. Albert Delvo, one of the convenors of the Manila Archdiocesan and Parochial Schools Association-Roman Catholic Bishop of Novaliches Educational System clarified the protests are aimed to call out corruption within the government and is not targeted to overthrow President Marcos, Jr. or to bring former president Rodrigo Duterte back to the Philippines. 

“Hindi nasa loob ng agenda namin na pauwiin si former president Rodrigo Duterte o patalsikin si President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Ang sa amin, laban ito sa corruption,” said Delvo. 

(It is not part of our agenda to overthrow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. or to bring former President Rodrigo Duterte back to the Philippines. The protests are meant to demand justice and accountability for those involved in corruption.)

Malacañang earlier said President Marcos, Jr. respects freedom of expression, as several groups took to the streets to protest the irregularities in the government's flood control projects. — RF, GMA Integrated News