Thousands join Walk for Change vs Cari

BAYBAY CITY, Philippines  — Thousands of residents from 92 barangays in this city had gathered Sunday morning at the Veterans Park here to participate in the Walk for Change rally against the administration.

The peaceful demonstration was sponsored by the opposition party, led by mayoralty aspirant Marilou “Malot” Galenzoga, who said it was a call to “end political oppression made by the Cari family who has been ruling this city for the past 32 years straight.”

“Kausaban 2013 is our battle cry now. It is not only we who demand change now, the Baybayanons are already standing for us,” said Galenzoga who claimed she did not expect a huge turnout in her call for change.

Galenzoga debunked rumors that the opposition used “hakot system” to draw that number of people. She said she only provided transportation for every barangay delegation but they were not forced to join the walk. She further denied rumors that her group gave P300 to each participant of the rally. “We did not tell the people that we will give them money. They came on their own,” she said.

Alvin Truya, the opposition’s spokesperson, said they had to start the walk earlier than planned because participants from different barangays were already lining up the streets causing heavy traffic. Each barangay brought with them tarpaulins showing support to Galenzoga. The walk alone lasted for more than four hours and ended up at the Veterans Park where a short program was held.

Truya, while in the parade, addressed the participants why they needed change in the city. He pointed out some of the problems that should have been addressed by the Caris long before. He also drew the crowd’s attention to the lamp posts along the reclamation area bearing the name “Cari.”

In an interview with some participants, they said that they voluntarily joined the Walk for Change because they also wanted to try another person governing the city. They further said that some barangay captains have prevented them from joining.

There were however earlier reports that all barangay captains in the city had approved a manifesto, which was published in local news weekly, supporting the administration of incumbent Mayor Carmen Cari, Vice Mayor Michael Cari, Rep. Jose Carlos Cari (5th district, Leyte) and Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla. (FREEMAN)