Organizers optimistic of huge crowd

CEBU, Philippines - Organizers of People’s Initiative aiming to scrap all forms of pork barrel are optimistic that the scheduled national launch of the movement in Cebu City on Saturday will be a huge success.

Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Neri Colmenares, in a forum at the University of the Philippines Cebu, said the coalition aims to criminalize discretionary funds from legislators and top government officials.

In order for the People’s Initiative to prosper, 10 percent of the total national voting population must affix their signature with a minimum condition of having three percent of each legislative district signing the petition as well.

“We are aiming for signatures beyond the minimum requirement. So that if they question the legitimacy of some signatures before the Comelec, we have enough for the referendum to be done early next year,” said Colmenares.

While most allies of the president justify and favor the discretionary funds, especially the Disbursement Acceleration Program, Colmenares said that the coalition is banking on the public outcry knowing that congressional voting will most likely be to their disadvantage considering the number of allies of the President in the House of Representatives.

Alliance of Concerned Teachers-7 president Antonia Lim said they will participate in the People’s Initiative. Also pledging support are member schools of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.

A letter signed by CEAP president Jun Erguiza urged member school officials and students to participate in the massive anti-corruption campaign and endorsed the activities this coming Saturday, August 23.

At 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., a National People’s Congress will be held inside the Mariner’s Court, Pier 1 in Cebu City.

Simultaneously, a march will be done at 1p.m. from Fuente Osmeña to Plaza Independencia, where the launching of the signature campaign for the People’s Initiative Pork Barrel Abolition Act will be held.

Manila will follow suit with the “Stand Up, Sign Up Against All Pork” campaign at Kilometer Zero, Luneta Park this coming August 25. (FREEMAN)