THE mass action dubbed as “Lihok Bol-anon Batok Korapsyon” on September 21, Sunday in the afternoon is well-planned to make it more prayerful and peaceful led by Bishop Abet Uy, according to the well-meaning organizers.
The march rally which will commence in three strategic locations in the city falls on the 53rd Martial Law anniversary after it was scandalously declared on September 21, 1972 by then president Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., the father of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
The march-rally convenors Atty. Jun Amora, r. Jingboy Saco, Ret. Gen. Edgardo Ingking and Atty. Gertrude Biliran called for a press conference at JJs Seafood to iron out things the “do” and “don’ts” during the mass action.
Similar action of indignation and protest is expected to take place in Talibon diocese led by Bishop Patrick Daniel Parcon.
The lead convenors called for a peaceful mass action and urged the people “pagpakabana’” or get involved as the corruption, not just in flood control projects, is almost unbearable as billions of pesos are taken in as kick-back.
Atty. Amora said that the convergence at Plaza Rizal will tackle accountability, justice and responsibility of those culprits responsible for the payola.
The mass action is also aimed at educating the public and let them know the proliferation of corruption in the government.
Prior to the march-rally, three locations are being established where the various groups start to walk: K of C for the church/religious groups; Camp Dagohoy for the students/professionals; and Toni’s BBQ (V. P. Inting avenue formerly Burgos st) for civil society organization and NGOs, Ingking said.
Ingking said that support from various law enforcers are already in place and marshals will help in policing rallyists from their own ranks to ascertain peaceful rally.
The said mass action is intended to be launched without political color, regardless of religious belief, and no personalities to be mentioned in either in speeches or placards and other form of expression.
The city government thru Mayor Jane Yap expressed support to the crusade against corruption for accountability and transparency’s sake.
She said, “We are 100% fully supportive sa kalihukan nga gi-pangulohan sa atong mga church leaders ug Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). We all deserve a working government; consultative, participative, and transparent. Labi na karon nga naa ta sa panahon sa climate change, kinahanglan gyud nga ang mga flood control projects legit, epektibo ug dili substandard.”
She said she ordered the law enforcement, such as the medics and traffic and police, under her administration to help coordinate with the mass action organizers to ensure a peaceful activity. (Ric Obedencio)
