MANILA, Philippines - Militant group Bayan on Tuesday rallied behind the suggestion of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Puno to conduct a people's initiative to abolish the pork barrel system.
"The suggestion reflects the reality that we cannot expect anything from Congress or even the President. In fact, there is a pending House Bill for the abolition of all pork that has not been touched at all," Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said.
Puno's suggestion came in the heels of the oral arguments at the High Court regarding the scrapping of the pork barrel system.
Reyes said that even before Puno's proposal, Bayan has consulted a legal counsel regarding a people's initiative to push for the abolition of the pork barrel system.
"We would like to study further the requirements for this. CJ Puno's advice would be invaluable," he added.
Bayan members trooped to Manila and picketed in front of the SC building.