Activist groups unite at Independence Day anti-pork protest

David Lozada

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The protesters call on the president to scrap all forms of pork barrel, investigate all the cases of misused funds, and jail government officials involved in corruption

AGAINST CORRUPTION. Protesters take their stand against the pork barrel system and the systemic corruption in the Philippines. Photo by David Lozada

MANILA, Philippines – The light drizzle did not stifle anti-corruption advocates’ anger against the pork barrel scam. Protesters from various groups stormed the Kartilya ng Katipunan Shrine in Manila on Independence Day, June 12, calling for speedy government action on the corruption scandal.

Through chants expressing dissatisfaction, the protesters called on President Benigno Aquino III to (1) scrap all forms of pork barrel including the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), (2) investigate all the cases of misused funds in past years, and (3) jail all the government officials involved in corruption, regardless if they are government allies.

TJ Besa of the #ScrapPorkNetwork, one of the people behind the movement, said the event is aimed at making people aware and act against the systemic corruption happening in the country.

“Most people seem to be more interested in staying home than taking a stand. I actually feel that they think they can’t make a difference, and that’s sad. We wanted to show them that even if there’s one or two of us, we can make our message heard, and I think we did,” Besa added.

The protest was organized by the 6.12.14 coalition, a group composed of over 35 religious and sectoral organizations. They are united in eliminating the pork barrel system which they described as the symbol of systemic corruption in the Philippines.

The pork barrel scam was exposed in early 2013 when whistleblower Benhur Luy revealed that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were siphoning off government funds for the benefit of certain politicians. Alleged mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles gave a list of government officials who received disbursements from the funds.  

On June 6, several graft cases were filed against 3 senators involved in the scam – Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla Jr – in the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan.

Alarming stance

Besa noted, however, that Aquino’s stance on the pork barrel scam is becoming alarming. 

“We noticed that the president is very protective of his friends and allies. The Palace even made a statement that they are ready to defend those accused. If he wants it evidence-based, he should not say that when he hasn’t seen the evidence yet,” Besa said.

Activist artist Mae “Juana Change” Paner said she believed the pork barrel system can be eliminated but only if Filipinos will unite.

“It’s very clear who our enemy – corruption. But we can’t defeat that if we’re too afraid to go out of our comfort zones. The enemy is happy seeing us divided,” Paner added.

PORK ALLERGIC. Juana Change shows up in her anti-pork barrel costume. Photo by Christelle Delvo/ Rappler

A separate protest led by militant groups was held in Liwasang Bonifiacio, a few meters away from the Kartilya ng Katipunan. 

Paner added: “We want people to go out of their comfort zones and show their love of country. Can we stand beside somebody who is very militant? Can we stand beside somebody who has a different religion? Can we united on the basis of our fight against corruption?”

The artist voiced her disatisfaction with Aquino, whom she campaigned for in the 2010 presidential elections.

“Ouch! I’m really hurt with what he’s doing. I trusted him because I thought he’d bring about change and listen to his bosses. With what’s happening in the pork barrel scam, he’s going farther and farther away from his bosses while shutting people who (criticize) but care for him,” Paner said.

Support from various sectors

The movement was supported by various sectors – from seafarers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) organizations to activist groups like Sanlakas.

NEVER TOO OLD. Senior citizens also take part in the fight against corruption. Photo by Christelle Delvo/ Rappler

Bishop Roderick Pabillo of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the pork barrel scam is a national concern. 

“What’s happening is injustice. It’s the people’s money that are being abused. The problem is that no one wants to take responsibility. They keep on pointing fingers,” Pabillo said.

The bishop challenged politicians who are being named in the scam to step down from their positions so that a genuine investigation can be conducted.

“We’re not asking them to resign. They can take a leave for 6 months or so to prove that they are not hiding anything. Let investigations go smoothly,” he added.

Pabillo also called on the government to be fair in conducting investigations.

“I hope the pork barrel scam won’t be used as a political machinery to take down the government’s political rivals. Even the allies are at fault. Punish them and be fair to all,” he said.

Citizen movement

Manny Lopez, who leads the Empowered People’s Initiative and Reform Alliance (EPIRMA), said Filipinos have the final say on how to end corruption in the country.

“Even if we change the players, the system will still be there. We need a comprehensive solution that will address the systemic challenges. Public consciousness will have to be drawn so that we can impart the message,” he said.

Having gone through 3 EDSA uprisings, Lopez said restoring democratic institutions is not enough to create real freedom and equality.

“Our institutions have been corrupted. Citizens need to engage each other and the government. The best way to educate people is to awaken their nationalism. Events like these are declarations of war against corruption. We should start freeing ourselves from graft and corruption,” he stressed.

Besa noted that there is a bigger issue than corruption that needs to be fought.

“Corruption is a big enemy but apathy is a bigger one, when you don’t care anymore while people are robbing you in front of you. We need to be aware of what’s happening. We can’t let other people do everything for us,” he concluded.

Besa said the coalition will continue to spark conversation and instigate peaceful movements until they see the pork barrel system eliminated and the corrupt politicians punished for their crimes.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to file a third case against officials involved in the pork barrel scam in the next few days. The first 3 senators are also expected to be arrested in the next few weeks. – Rappler.com

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