Thousands flock UPLB for ‘promised cash’ from Marcos wealth

LAGUNA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Thousands of people flocked to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) on Saturday, September 23, for “promised cash” from the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses.

In interviews with Rappler, attendees said they went to UPLB because they were promised P10,000 monthly from the ill-gotten Marcos wealth. They came from different parts of Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and Marinduque.

“Kung malinis ang puso at isipan ‘nyo, may matatanggap kayong blessing. (If your heart and mind are pure, you will receive blessings),” the organizers said during the program, as the people chant “Mabuhay si Apo! (Long live Apo!)” back at them.

The “blessing” implies that cash “will be given out” to the attendees. The event was organized by One Social Family Credit Cooperative.

“Sino pa ang magiging mahirap? Sa 4 years may P10,000 ka every month… ‘Yung iba ayaw pumirma, ayaw maniwala. Pero hindi totoo na scam ito,” the organizers said during the program.

(Who will be poor? In 4 years, you have P10,000 every month. Others don’t want to sign, they don’t believe. But this is not a scam.)

Booklets that contain the achievements of former President Ferdinand Marcos were given to members during the event. It was published by Bullion Buyer Ltd.

The organizers said those who have a stamped booklet will be on the “top priority” for cash release. They said it will be sent through their bank accounts.

Membership fee according to interviews were at P10 to P30 per person.

Crowd estimate is over 100,000 people, UPLB Perspective reported.

Bongbong Marcos reacts

In reaction, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr on Saturday denied his family called for the gathering.

“Wala po kaming kinalaman sa pagtitipon na ito na malinaw na isang scam. Uulitin ko po – ito ay isang malinaw na panloloko [o] scam,” said the only son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

(We have nothing to do with this gathering, which is clearly a scam. I repeat – this is clearly a scam.)

The younger Marcos said he has repeatedly warned the public against gatherings like the one in UPLB, saying these were orchestrated by people for their “personal interests.”

“Ang pagtitipon sa UPLB ay isa na namang ehemplo ng ganyang panloloko (The gathering in UPLB is another example of such a scam),” said Marcos.

Earlier, in February, residents from Pangasinan were promised P10,000 cash by a man claiming he is an employee of Bullion Buyer Ltd if they purchase booklets with Marcos Sr’s face as cover for P30.

On September 23, 1972, the former president appeared on television and by virtue of Proclamation 1081 supposedly signed on September 21, formally declared martial law nationwide. (READ: Marcos’ martial law orders)

During Martial Law, the Philippines incurred up to $24.4 billion in debt by 1982. (READ: Marcos years marked ‘golden age’ of PH economy? Look at the data)– with reports from Jeremy Jansalin/Rappler.com