The youth student sector and TAMA NA (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance) will lead the mass demonstration against corruption under the Marcos regime on September 21. Various groups and sectors will gather at Luneta Park in Manila to hold a program.
The organizers call to “flood Luneta” with a massive protest. They said this will respond to the exposed anomalies and corruption, mainly in flood control projects under the regime.
“TAMA NA! Stop the stealing! Everyone involved must be held accountable!” declared TAMA NA. The groups in the planned demonstration have six main demands.
First, they demand removing, prosecuting, and imprisoning all those involved in anomalous flood control projects and other acts of corruption, from Duterte to Marcos. Second, they demand the return of the people’s stolen money.
They said the state must reclaim these by confiscating luxury cars, expensive watches, signature bags, and designer clothes from corrupt contractors, officials, and politicians. Once recovered, the funds should go to health, education, housing, and compensation for flood victims.
Third, they demand the abolition of all pork barrel funds and secret confidential and intelligence funds. Fourth, they call to reveal the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of all government officials to expose their bank accounts and assets.
Fifth, they demand releasing the list and banning the contractors and suppliers involved in corruption and those linked to lawmakers and government officials. Lastly, they demand the abolition of the “small group” in Congress and the public disclosure of the complete records of budget hearings and the bicameral conference committee.
“Our outrage over the widespread plunder and shameless nepotism is overwhelming,” said University of the Philippines (UP) Student Regent Dexter Clemente, a leader of the September 12 walkout by 5,000 UP Diliman students.
Clemente called on fellow youth to gather at Luneta and join the demonstration. “Let us denounce and condemn politicians and contractors who wear different colors but worship money, who steal out our people’s money,” Clemente added.
Prof. David Michael San Juan, leader of TAMA NA, reminded everyone that the demonstration is open to all who stand against corruption. “Except for the fanatics who still support and defend corrupt politicians,” the professor added.
Church leaders and veterans of anti-dictatorship and anti-corruption struggles also expressed support and said they will join the action led by the youth. Among them are Diocese Bishop of San Carlos and Caritas Philippines vice president Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Atty. Tony La Vina, Movement Against Tyranny’s Sr. May John Mananzan, director Joel Lamangan, former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila president Noel Leyco, Mae Paner a.k.a. Juana Change, journalists Inday Espina Varona, Ma. Ceres P. Doyo, Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, and Paulynn Sicam, and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)’s Teddy Casiño.
According to Bayan, the people’s anger has reached a boiling point over the exposed corruption in flood control projects, revealing that the pork barrel system persists government. “This is proof of the scourge of bureaucrat capitalism wherein politicians use their position and influence to…boost their wealth and power,” the group said.
Beyond the Luneta Park action, TAMA NA also announced its participation in a protest against corruption at the EDSA People Power Monument that afternoon. Religious leaders and civil society organizations will lead the action at the People Power Monument.
Outside Metro Manila, various groups and sectors announced their own actions in the provinces. Demonstrations and activities on September 21 are set in Baguio City, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Tacloban City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.
