#ScrapPork network vows continued action

MANILA, Philippines – The civic network calling for the abolition of all forms of pork barrel is not one to give up its fight.

Only 3 days after its return to the streets at Ayala Ave in Makati City, the group finds itself appealing this time to the justices of the Supreme Court. 

As the High Court began to hear oral arguments on the constitutionality of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) on Tuesday, October 8, the #ScrapPork network vowed continued action.

“Hindi pa siya mage-end… Kasi wala naman silang naging substantial reply doon sa 8 na concrete calls na hinain namin sa Ayala,” said Patricia Tan, the network’s spokesperson.

(It’s not yet going to end… Because there was no substantial reply [from government] to the 8 concrete calls that we presented in Ayala.)

The group, born out of public outrage over the misuse of government funds, bared their demands during the Ayala protest on Friday, October 4.

READ: #ScrapPork network bares 8 demands

Continued vigilance 

Tan said it is the group’s hope that the justices declare the PDAF as unconstitutional.

“We’re hoping na they will side with the people. Na makita nila yung outcry na hindi nagwo-work yung mga safeguards that they say were put… Yung mga pulitiko they keep on stealing the people’s money,” she said in an interview.

(We hope they will side with the people. For them to see the outcry that the safeguards they say are in place do not work… The politicians still keep on stealing the people’s money.) 

Actress-comedian Mae Paner, vocal for her support of the cause, was also present during the protest. 

Paner wore a white wig that, she said, represents their demand for a clean budgetary process.

“Kahit na dugo-dugo ang utak ko sa pakikinig ng mga konseptong tunay na hindi abot ng talino ko, pero tina-try ko naman na intindihan at magbantay,” she quipped.

(Even if my brain now bleeds listening to these concepts that are beyond my intelligence, I still try to understand and be vigilant.) – Rappler.com