Filipinos from all walks of life aired their collective frustrations Sunday against a government run by ‘kleptocrats’ or politicians and their cohorts, who go into public service only to enrich themselves instead of improving the lives of citizens.
In both demonstrations held at the EDSA People Power Monument and Luneta Park on September 21, protesters brought placards and banners that shared a common theme, seeking an end to the cycle of poverty and economic inequality due to rampant corruption in government.
Together, the groups participating in the large-scale demand the following from the authorities:
- Remove from office, hold accountable, and imprison all those involved in anomalous flood control projects and other acts of corruption—from the Duterte to Marcos administrations.
- Return the stolen public funds. Seize the luxury cars, expensive watches, signature bags, and designer clothes of corrupt contractors, officials, and politicians. Allocate the recovered wealth to health, education, housing, and compensation for flood victims.
- Abolish all pork barrel funds as well as secret confidential and intelligence funds.
- Open to the public the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of all government officials and require them to sign a bank secrecy waiver so that their bank accounts and properties can be examined. They should not be covered by the Bank Secrecy Law.
- Release the list and ban contractors and suppliers involved in corruption and connected to lawmakers and government officials. Upload all bidding documents and government contracts online, including the prices of materials and services, so that the people can scrutinize and audit these documents.
- Abolish the “small group” in Congress (that usually meet to include “insertions” in the national budget behind the scenes) and open to the public the complete records of budget hearings and bicameral conference committee proceedings, and
- End the reign of political dynasties and the corrupt system of government.
Also present at the rallies were politicians and celebrities, who are also enraged by reports of massive corruption while the people continue to suffer from floods, underemployment, injustice, among other social issues.
House Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, along with fellow Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, joined House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima, Akbayan party-lists Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Dadah Kiram Ismulah, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao at the EDSA People Power Monument.
They marched in solidarity with other reform-oriented organizations, including the Simbahan at Komunidad laban sa Katiwalian (SIKLAB), Akbayan Party, Tindig Pilipinas, Mamamayang Liberal party-list, Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, Kalipunan, and Youth Against Kurakot (YAK).
According to the organizers, over 3,000 individuals participated in the morning rally at EDSA, marking the beginning of a series of demonstrations that will culminate in the “Trillion Peso March” later in the day, with expectations of more than 30,000 attendees.
In Makati City, film and television stars such as Dingdong Dantes, Kim Atienza, Benjamin Alves, Jerald Napoles, and Kim Molina engaged in an anti-corruption running event. Actor Elijah Canlas was seen at the EDSA People Power Monument.
Meanwhile, actress Maris Racal marched with the Philippine-Palestine Friendship Association in Rizal Park, asserting that “all corrupt individuals must be held accountable.” Andrea Brillantes, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Angel Aquino were also present at the rally in Luneta.
