MANILA, Philippines — Anti-corruption groups staged protest marches in Makati and Quezon City yesterday, demanding accountability from government officials suspected of involvement in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, while urging the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The August Twenty-One Movement or ATOM, together with Tindig Pilipinas, led a “Walk for Justice” along Ayala Avenue in Makati, where protesters demanded imprisonment for the corrupt – “Ikulong na ang mga kurakot!” – and renewed calls for government accountability.
At the same time, church leaders and civil society groups gathered for the White Ribbon March, which began with a Mass at the EDSA Shrine before participants marched to the People Power Monument.
Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Glenn Silvio said around 3,500 participants joined the rally along White Plains Avenue.
David San Juan, convenor of TAMA NA (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance), said the rally sought to unite Filipinos against corruption regardless of political affiliation.
“This is a non-partisan and interfaith activity. We are inviting all Filipinos who are angry over corruption, who want to end political dynasties and demand public accountability,” San Juan said during an interview over dzBB yesterday.
He said the groups want all those involved in the alleged flood control scam to be held accountable and are calling for an impeachment trial of Duterte to proceed.
“We want everyone involved in corruption to be held accountable, whether they are from the Marcoses, the Dutertes or any political dynasty,” he said.
San Juan also expressed concern over the possible outcome of Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying the Senate’s voting numbers remain uncertain.
No untoward incidents were reported during the rallies.
In his homily at the EDSA Shrine mass, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, lead convenor of Interreligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation, said the root cause of corruption is self-centeredness. — Evelyn Macairan