Organizers: Nov. 30 Edsa rally to bring ‘clarity’ in graft fight
Church leaders and various civil society organizations are set to conduct another rally at the Edsa People Power Monument on Nov. 30, a move that organizers say may bring “clarity” to the public who might be “confused” given the recent developments in the flood control probe.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Tindig Pilipinas convenor Kiko Aquino-Dee said recent allegations coming from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and Sen. Imee Marcos may have been “confusing” for the public, “but we can be confused while being angry.”
‘Unacceptable’ alternative
“The Marcos administration should address the questions presented by Zaldy Co, but at the same time, everyone taking action can see that the alternatives being offered by the other side, the Dutertes, are unacceptable,” he said.
“That’s why the people are coming out and strengthening their original call to jail all the corrupt,” Aquino-Dee said. “No one is exempted here. We do not have amnesia during the time of President Duterte. We are not blind in the current administration.”
Noting the recent rally organized by the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), Akbayan president Rafaela David said in the same briefing that the “many voices [with] different appeals” can be confusing.
“That’s why it’s so important that at a time when there is intense confusion, moral clarity can be provided not just by civil society leaders, but [also by] church leaders stepping up to show us the calls that will not lead us astray,” she said.
‘Build-up’ activity
Before the Nov. 30 rally, a procession marking the 100-year celebration of the feast of Christ the King will be held on Nov. 23, with a mass to be presided over by Kalookan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who is expected to talk about the ongoing flood control probe in his homily. The procession will serve as a “build-up” to the rally in Edsa.
Rally organizers such as the Clergy for Good Governance (CGG) and Simbahan at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalian are calling for the passage of an anti-political dynasty bill, a transparent bicameral conference, and the overhaul of the party list system.
CGG convenor Fr. Robert Reyes clarified that the rally is not calling for the resignation of President Marcos.
“Follow the constitutional process, because there is already the ICI [Independent Commission for Infrastructure],” he said.
“The President promised that by Dec. 15, under the Ombudsman, there would be people charged and jailed. We already know the names and faces of those in line, so jail them now,” he added.
Separate rally
Groups under the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot will hold a separate protest action at Luneta Park in Manila, dubbed “Baha sa Luneta 2.0,” also on Nov. 30.
Unlike the rally in Edsa, organizers of the Luneta gathering are calling for the resignation of President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, and urging the government to hold all corrupt officials accountable.
‘Maximum tolerance’
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public on Wednesday that it is ready to maintain peace and order during the “Trillion Peso March” on Nov. 30.
Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the police will implement “maximum tolerance” for peaceful demonstrators but “zero tolerance” for violence or unlawful activity.
“We are ready for the Trillion Peso March. Our approach is clear-maximum tolerance for those peacefully exercising their rights, and zero tolerance for any form of violence or unlawful activity,” said Nartatez, noting that the recent two-day INC rally attended by around 650,000 people was conducted without incident.
He reminded participants to cooperate with police instructions to ensure a safe and orderly rally.
Authorities also warned motorists and residents near the rally venues to expect heavier traffic and to consult official PNP advisories for possible detours and security checkpoints.
