Nov. 30 rallies to urge for more gov’t action vs corruption, flood control mess

The massive protests on November 30 at the Luneta, EDSA, and other venues are aimed at prodding the government to initiate more action and reforms in protecting public funds amid the investigation of the flood control scandal, the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the protest organizers credited Filipinos for taking part in sustained protests and calls for truth and accountability in the wake of the Sept. 21 massive rallies against corruption.

“The next big one will be on November 30 at Luneta Park, EDSA, and many other places nationwide,” the KBKK said, adding that they will call for a more comprehensive, independent, and publicized investigation into the flood control anomalies.

They said all implicated personalities should undergo a thorough, swift, and transparent probe – including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Budget and Management, (DBM), contractors, district engineers, and even the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

“Lahat ng sangkot – mula sa mga opisyal ng DPWH, DBM at ICI, mga kontratista, district engineers, hanggang sa mga mambabatas at pinakamataas na opisyal – ay dapat mailagay sa ilalim ng masusi, mabilis at transparent na imbestigasyon. Walang dapat protektahan, walang sagrado,” the KBKK said.

(Everyone involved – from officials of the DPWH, DBM, and ICI, contractors, district engineers, even lawmakers and high-ranking officials – should undergo an in-depth, swift, and transparent investigation. No one should be protected, no one should be deemed as sacred cows.)

The KBKK stressed that all perpetrators of irregularities in flood control projects should not just resign from their posts but should be held accountable for their actions.

Criminal and civil cases should be filed against the perpetrators, who should also be made to return the plundered funds, the group said, adding that genuine reforms should be put in place to safeguard public funds and prevent corruption in the future.

“Kabilang dito ang pagbubuwag sa pork barrel sa iba’t ibang anyo, pagbawal sa lump sum at iligal na insertions, real-time public disclosure ng lahat ng proyekto at kontrata, at pagpapalakas sa partisipasyon ng mamamayan sa pagbabalangkas, pag-apruba at pagmomonitor ng badyet at mga proyekto,” the KBKK said.

(This includes the abolition of the pork barrel in its various forms, the prohibition of lump sums and illegal insertions, real-time public disclosure of all projects and contracts, and strengthening citizen participation in the crafting, approval, and monitoring of the budget and projects.)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is maintaining its full alert status as part of its preparations and deployment for the massive protests. — JMA, GMA Integrated News