Trillion Peso March Movement not in favor of junta, change in leadership

A coalition of religious and multi-sectoral organizations on Monday rejected calls for a change in the country's leadership as it prepares for a rally scheduled on Nov. 30 against corruption and political dynasties.

In a press conference, the Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM) announced it is against efforts to bring down the government, establish a military junta or revolutionary government, or force the resignation of the country's leaders.

"Klaro ang ating advocacy: ang Trillion Peso March ay hindi para pabagsakin ang ating pamahalaan ngayon. We are not calling for the resignation ng ating mga pinuno ng bansa kundi ikulong, ilantad at ibalik ang nanakaw sa corruption,"  Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, one of the convenors of the TPMM, said.

(Our advocacy is clear: the Trillion Peso March Movement doesn't aim to bring down the current administration or to call for the resignation of any public officials. What we want is to arrest, and return the public funds lost to corruption.)

"Hindi tayo sumusuporta sa puwersa na magtatatag ng military junta o revolutionary government o ano pa man na papalitan ang government ngayon. In other words, we adhere to the call of the Constitution: democratic processes ang ating sundin," Bagaforo added.

(We don't support any forces calling for a military junta, revolutionary government or similar actions. In other words, we adhere to the call of the Constitution that we should follow democratic processes.)

According to the coalition, corruption and political dynasties are among the causes of poverty in the country. It further junked calls for a leadership transition, adding that there “should not simply be a change of guards, but a change in the system.”

"Baguhin natin ang politika na ilang pamilya ang namamahala. Ang panawagan natin: let's end political dynasties so we can curb and address corruption," Akbayan president and TPMM co-convenor Rafaela David added.

(Let us change the politics wherein a few families lead the country. Our call is to end political dynasties so we can curb and address corruption.)  

On Sunday, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said that he received, and ignored, offers to join a “civil-military junta” aiming to remove President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte from office.

Lacson said the offer was made by some retired military personnel.

He urged the public instead to continue the call for accountability relating to the flood control projects, but not at the expense of the Constitution.

Malacañang, in a statement on Sunday, welcomed Lacson’s reaction and stated that the calls for a “transition council” only meant to remove President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. from his position.

"We welcome Senator Lacson's straightforward and unambiguous reaction on that issue, given that the move to change the leadership through a military-backed reset violates our Constitution. The people behind this so-called ‘transition council’ have only one goal: to remove President Marcos, Jr. not for the country, not for the Filipinos, but  for their own vested interests,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro.

November 30 rally

Meanwhile, TPMM spokesperson Francis "Kiko" Aquino Dee said they are expecting around 120,000 individuals to join the Trillion Peso March scheduled on November 30 at EDSA People Power Monument.

Dee said the program will start as early as 6 a.m., with rallyists marching to EDSA People Power Monument.

A protest concert will also be held at around 6 p.m. with celebrities and guest performers attending including Catriona Gray, Elijah Canlas, Ben&Ben, and MAKI.

"Mag-ingat tayo. Kilalanin natin ang mga makakasama natin sa rally. Hangga't maaari at as much as possible, come as a group. Join your family, school, barkada para kilala niyo ang isa't isa. Kapag may sumingit na medyo kakaiba ang sinasabi, may pumapalibot na marshalls na maaaring i-contact para makausap ang mga tao," said Dee. 

(Let us remain vigilant. Know your co-rallyists or come as a group. You can join your school, family, or friends. If there are people saying things differently, the marshalls roaming the vicinity can be contacted to talk to them.)

Aside from Metro Manila, simultaneous regional activities will likewise be held in other parts of the country including Pampanga, Caloocan, Cubao, Antipolo, San Pablo, Laguna; Candelaria, Quezon; and Cebu, the coalition added. —KG, GMA Integrated News