Netizens call for Revilla, Enrile, and Estrada to resign

MANILA, Philippines – An online petition calling for the immediate resignation of Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Bong Revilla Jr garnered more than 2,500 e-signatures in less than 36 hours. 

The Change.org petition initiated by the #ScrapPork Network now has 2,623 signatures as of this posting. 

In a statement, the petition calls on citizens to pressure the 3 senators to step down or face expulsion from the Senate due to their alleged involvement in siphoning off public funds meant for non-government organizations. The Office of the Ombudsman recently filed plunder cases against the three senators after finding probable cause for their involvement in the scam.  

“In other countries, executive and legislative officials step down from their posts when their wrongdoings are exposed,” said Inday Espina-Varona, Change.org Philippines campaigns director in a statement released on Sunday, April 6. Varona added that the members of the #ScrapPork Network also helped put together the #MillionPeopleMarch, held on Aug 26, 2013. 

Baudette Barranda, one of those who signed the petition, said the senators should resign out of delicadeza. She added, “when peoples’ trust in government officials are no longer there, there is no other alternative but to resign. If they say they are innocent, then this is the time for them to prove it by facing the courts.” 

Others said the resignations would restore “honor to the Senate.” (READ: Top 13 Change.org petitions of 2013)

Change.org will send the petition to the 3 senators at the end of the signature campaign period. – Rappler.com