NOT EVEN INCLEMENT weather can stop the Trillion Peso March that would see droves filling up Luneta Park in Manila and the People Power Monument along EDSA.
According to Kiko Aquino-Dee in his capacity as co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas, at least 40,000 extremely disappointed Filipinos are expected to join the simultaneous protect rallies against systemic corruption in the government.
Aquino-Dee said the anti-corruption protests will push through ‘rain or shine’ even as he claimed that proper coordination has already been made and arranged with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies if only to ensure peaceful and orderly demonstrations.
By his own volition, a huge chunk of participants are first time protesters.
AGAINST CORRUPTION
Aquino-Dee enthused that the protest holds symbolic historical significance as it coincides with the anniversary of the Martial Law that was declared in 1972 by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Interestingly, Marcos Sr. is the father of the sitting President Ferdinand Jr., while Dee is the grandson of the former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, whose assassination in August 1983 triggered the historic EDSA People Power.
He however clarified that the activity is not intended to call for the impeachment or resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but to call for accountability over the flood control scandal.
RESIGNATION CALLS
Speculations have swirled about the possible calls for Marcos Jr.’s impeachment, but the Trillion Peso March co-convenor emphasized that the Tindig Coalition’s immediate concern was to exact accountability on those who had benefited from the multibillion-peso flood control racket.
“We haven’t agreed on calls for impeachment. The priority is that no politician or administration should escape investigation into the flood control anomalies,” he asserted.
In agreement, civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio ‘Ka Pep’ Goitia voiced out his full and unwavering support for President Marcos Jr.’s intensified campaign against corruption, emphasizing that this is not merely a political agenda but a moral and national duty.
PARALLEL POSITION
The chairman emeritus of the
Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement cited that “the call of President Marcos to end corruption is not just about punishing wrongdoers but rather concerns the restoration of the dignity of our people and ensuring that every peso of public funds serves the Filipino nation.”
“This (goal) takes on even greater significance as the September Twenty-One People’s Movement Against Corruption prepares to hold an anti-corruption peace rally along Morayta and proceed towards Mendiola—a historic route of people’s struggles and victories,” he pointed out.
Organizers emphasize that the rally aims to support PBBM’s leadership in combating corruption and to hold accountable all those responsible for failed and ‘ghost’ flood control projects that have wasted public funds and betrayed public trust.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
“Flood control projects that exist only on paper, padded contracts, and politicians enriching themselves at the expense of the people are unacceptable. The people have had enough. This movement shows that Filipinos are united in saying: tama na, sobra na, laban na!” Goitia stressed.
He underscored that President Marcos Jr.’s leadership is crucial in dismantling systemic corruption, which has for decades hindered national progress.
“We stand with PBBM because this fight is for every Filipino worker, farmer, and fisherman whose sweat builds this nation. Supporting the President means supporting a future where our children will grow up in a country where leaders are accountable and resources are not stolen but invested in development,” he said.
NEED MORE JOINERS
In closing, Chairman Goitia called on all Filipinos to join this movement of hope and action, emphasizing that “the September 21 rally is more than an event but a declaration of solidarity that tells the corrupt have no place in government and in society.
“Wala na kayong puwang sa bagong Pilipinas. We will no longer allow betrayal of public trust. Together with PBBM, we will reclaim our institutions and rebuild the people’s faith in government,” he concluded.
The crusade of BBM in this corruption issues is historic. He sacrufices his presidency. Martin must be held accountable. Kudos to Chairman Goita