Luneta bloc seeks resignations, transition group; EDSA bloc shuns quit calls, civic-military takeover
Two major protest movements will call for accountability and justice amid corruption issues hounding government flood control projects today, even as they diverge on how systemic change can be effected.
In Manila, progressive groups will stage the “Baha Sa Luneta 2.0” rally, with calls ranging from the resignation of both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte to the setting up of a “transition council.”
At the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, the Trillion Peso March backed by Church leaders will call for all those involved in corruption to be put behind bars, but will not back calls for the resignation of officials or the setting up of a military junta to take over.
But the United People’s Initiative, which counts among its members retired military generals, said it will not participate in the Luneta rally.
“Their proposal is unconstitutional and dangerous,” UPI executive secretary Mark Bertuldo said in a Facebook post.
In a separate Facebook message, retired Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz said: “Some groups are calling for Marcos and Duterte to resign and are pushing for a transition council or a civil-military junta or other unconstitutional means of changing the leadership. This chaos is not just a threat to our democracy but can also damage our country further.”
For his part, Caritas Philippines president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said a total of 86 dioceses nationwide have expressed their support for the Trillion Peso March rally.
“What we are fighting for is corruption. Our call is that the corrupt should be punished. The corrupt should return what they got,” Bagaforo said.
“All of us, you are invited—show our anger at corruption and above all, show our solidarity to the people,” Bagaforo said. “We can change our country.”
Anti-corruption protest actions will also be held outside the capital.
Earlier this week, the Makabayan coalition said part of the preparation for today’s Luneta rally is the drafting of a program for the formation of a transitional council should the top two leaders be removed from office.
Makabayan president Liza Maza said the proposed council would have representation from the “democratic sector” of society to include marginalized sections such as workers, farmers and indigenous peoples.
“The transition council would have the power to hold the corrupt accountable…to investigate and to set policy outside Congress. In fact, it could suspend Congress because almost all lawmakers are involved in the plunder,” Maza said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police assured the public they will maintain public order amid today’s mass movements.
“Our commitment would always be simple and firm: Protect every citizen, maintain public order, and ensure that this mass action proceeds safely,” the DILG said.
The National Capital Region Police Office said over 16,000 personnel will be deployed to maintain peace and order.
Permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFORs) have been suspended since yesterday until Monday.
“Only law enforcement personnel performing official duties in proper uniform are allowed to carry firearms during this period,” the DILG said.
The DILG also urged protesters “to exercise their rights responsibly, follow lawful instructions from authorities, and contribute to an orderly and secure event.”
“This is an opportunity to show that our democracy works when freedom and responsibility go hand in hand,” it said.
