Anti-graft groups urge continued protests amid warrants vs. Co, co-accused

Anti-graft protesters said there should be no let-up in the fight against corruption even after the issuance of warrants of arrest for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and his co-accused, who were with the Department of Public Works and Highways, and those in Sunwest Corp.

According to Vonne Aquino's report on "24 Oras," the August Twenty-One Movement, Akbayan, the Liberal Party, Magdalo members, and the Makati Villages Council took to the streets of the city to call for accountability on the flood control mess.

Following their White Ribbon Walk Against Corruption, they also conducted a program along Paseo de Roxas to speak out against the accused.

“Sana hindi ito maging dahilan para mag-let go ng konti ang mga tao (I hope this doesn’t become a reason for people to let go) because the fight is not through until we see some people going to jail. We have to make sure that these people stay in jail,” ATOM president Volt Bohol said.

“Positibong hakbang na i-arrest si Zaldy Co pero alalahanin din po natin na huwag siyang patihimikin. Bagamat may mga dubious content dito sa tesimonya niya, sana bigyan siya ng due process para mailabas din niya yung ebidensya na inaalam niya,” Tindig Pilipinas Covenor Kiko Aquino Dee said.

(The arrest of Zaldy Co is a positive step, but we must also remember not to allow him to be silent. Although there’s dubious content in his testimony, we hope he is given due process so he can reveal the evidence he knows.)

Youth groups and students also protested in Mendiola, while coalition Artikulo Onse joined sectoral and progressive organizations in a protest at UP Diliman Campus.

“Ang panindigan namin ay dapat lang managot si Marcos, si Duterte at lahat na sangkot sa corruption. Walang dapat sinuhin. Walang dapat malibre,” said Pete Pinlac of Workers’ Challenge.

(Our advocacy is that Marcos, Duterte, and everyone involved in corruption must be held accountable. No one should be excused.)

Catholic Advocates for Responsible Electorates also pushed their “Prayer Warriors Against Corruption” campaign, calling on Catholics to pray for the country. –Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News