Maisug rallyists trying to save face amid disappointingly low turnout — Acidre

Maisug anti-government rallyists cancelled their protest in Tacloban City in Leyte province after failing to mobilize support and recording a low turnout of protesters, according to Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre.

Due to the rally’s failure, Maisug anti-government rallyists are now playing the blame-game to save face, with former President Rodrigo Duterte justifying their disappointingly low turnout by accusing local leaders in Leyte of stifling dissent.

Rep. Acidre also mocked the rallyists claim of “peace” in their activities, pointing out that curses and attacks were more frequent than peace and prayer.

“Huwag naman sana gamitin ito na pamamaraan para bastusin ang ating mga ginagalang nating lider. Mas marami pa yatang mura (ang mga naunang rally nila). Wala naman akong naririnig na panalangin,” the House deputy majority leader said.

“Malamang sa hindi, naghahanap din sila ng justification bakit hindi marami ang nakarating, no? Kasi kung ako ang tatanungin mo, wala naman kaming kinalaman, si Speaker (Ferdinand Martin Romualdez) wala namang kinalaman,” the lawmaker added.

Rep. Acidre also slammed what considered as absurd the accusation of rallyists that the administration had a hand in restricting aircraft schedules to Tacloban airport.

“Ilang linggo na naming inaaray ang presyo ng ticket, ang kakulangan ng ticket, pero sabi nga nila, kailangan naman itong gawin, para tuloy tuloy ang ating pag-improve ng paliparan sa Tacloban,” the lawmaker said.

The lawmaker even pointed out that Maisug anti-government rallyists did not apply for a permit, stressing that the rallyists only “notified” the provincial government when a roadshow showcasing heavy equipment was already set on the protest date.

“Base sa information na nakarating sa atin, hindi naman sila nag-apply talaga ng permit eh. Ang ginawa nilang notification sa provincial government ay nagpapasabi lang na gagamit sila ng freedom park. May nakapag-book na po as early as May 10 sa pagkakaalam ko, mayroon nang nag-apply doon sa roadshow ng mga heavy equipment,” he added.