SIKLAB: Nationwide protests to sustain momentum of anti-corruption campaign

The Simbahan at Komunidad laban sa Katiwalian (SIKLAB) on Wednesday launched a nationwide campaign for peaceful actions and urged state institutions to pursue criminal and structural accountability over alleged large-scale corruption.

In a statement, SIKLAB – one of the organizers of the so-called “Trillion Peso March” – called on the Ombudsman to immediately file appropriate charges, following the findings and recommendations of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

“The filing of cases makes the ICI investigations relevant to ending the impunity of our officials. Once plunder cases are filed, plunder being a non-bailable offense arrests can finally be made and accountability can begin,” SIKLAB said.

The group also urged the Ombudsman with the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives to place officials implicated by the ICI under immediate suspension, and to freeze and forfeit assets it deems ill-gotten so that recovered funds may be returned to the national treasury.

SIKLAB also pressed for transparency measures in the ICI’s work, including the live streaming of hearings and the formal participation of independent civil-society organizations to safeguard the integrity of proceedings.

It also called on Congress to pass a law institutionalizing the ICI.

“We also call for the passage of critical legislation that will hinder present and future plunderers from stealing from the country’s coffers,” SIKLAB said, listing a package of “critical” legislative priorities such as an Open Bicameral Policy, a Freedom of Information Act, party-list reform, an anti-political-dynasty measure, and an “Open Infra Bill” to curb plunder.

SIKLAB also urged the Ombudsman to expand its investigation to include Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential and intelligence funds.

They also warned against attempts to redirect public anger toward extra-constitutional solutions, such as proposals to install the Vice President or other unelected authorities through a junta.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the Vice President’s camp and will publish her comment once it is available.

“We stand by the resolve that we can find renewal of our politics and governance — ‘not through a coup, not through a revolutionary government, not through a military rule, not through snap elections.’ We must ‘let the rule of law work. What we need is not a new election term — but long prison terms for the plunderers,’” they said, echoing the call of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David.

SIKLAB announced a series of peaceful events to sustain public pressure:

• Nov. 7: White Friday Protest at EDSA Shrine
• Nov. 14: White Ribbon Walk vs Corruption in Makati (co-organized with Makati Employees vs. Corruption, Manindigan Na and Makati Village Council)
• Nov. 17: Student Action against Corruption (timed with International Student Day)
• Nov. 23: Centennial Celebration of Christ the Servant King
• Nov. 30: Trillion Peso Protest Action at the People Power Monument

— JMA, GMA Integrated News