MANILA, Philippines – The “Million People March” at the Rizal Park in Manila “against corruption and evils of politics” is shaping up after the Napoles 10 Billion Pork Barrel scam was revealed. On Monday, August 26, 2013, there will be a peaceful ‘gathering’ at the Rizal Park, in Manila and in major cities nationwide. Several concerned organizations are spearheading the event.
In one poster, it is stated that:
“It is an obligation to God, duty to our country and commitment to our children.”
The idea of the The “Million People March” took shape when President Noynoy Aquino originally refused to abolish the Pork Barrel allocation for congressmen and senators after it was found out that 10 billion funds could not be properly accounted for. The funds, which were supposed to benefit farmers and indigent people, were funneled allegedly into the Napoles’ bank accounts and the family’s lavish lifestyle.
The president, however, relented in his decision, after public outcry, but the ball has already started rolling for the “Million People March” , as enraged citizens are ready to express their fury through tangible means.
The YouTube video of Jeane Napoles, daughter of alleged Pork Barrel scam leader, Janet Lim-Napoles, has received thousands of angry comments, some cursing the Napoleses to high heavens. There were various threats too, that one could just imagine how mad the common Juan dela Cruzes are. Up to this date, Janet Lim-Napoles is still at large, hunted by law enforcers for charges of serious illegal detention.
On Facebook, one of the “Million People March” pages has already 3,492 likes and 573 shares. People refused to forgo the activity in spite of the president’s agreement to scrap out the Pork Barrel Funds. Some readers expressed their concern that the Pork Barrel Fund would just be assigned a new label.
According to the organizers of the Million People March, the event has been granted permit by the city. The Assembly of Concerned Citizens for the August 26 Protest, one group who is spearheading the event, has this to say on its official Facebook wall:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE CONCERNED CITIZENS OF THE AUGUST 26 PROTEST PICNIC
WE, THE CONCERNED CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, composed of individuals from various fields and different walks of life, have been following the recent controversies involving the much questioned “Pork Barrel Fund”. As taxpayers, we express our disappointment and disgust at how the said fund, the fruit of our hard labor, has been mishandled. The Aquino Administration has repeatedly reminded us that we, the taxpayers, are our public servants’ boss and as such we now demand that:
1. The Pork Barrel Fund be scrapped.
2. All Government Officials account for the Pork Barrel Funds they have received and those who are found to be involved in the malversation of the Pork Barrel Funds issued to them as well as all private individuals involved be held liable civilly and criminally for such following the proper legal procedure before the proper legal venues.
We urge all Filipino citizens like us – the taxpayers – to remain vigilant on this controversy and to continue the fight we have started. Panahon na upang gisingin ang ating natutulog na damdamin at ipaalam sa ating mga opisyales na karapatan nating bantayan ang perang bunga ng ating dugo at pawis.
THE FILIPINO PEOPLE DESERVE AN EXPLANATION. PUBLIC OFFICERS MUST ACCOUNT FOR AND RESPOND TO THIS PORK BARREL MESS. TAYO ANG BOSS. HINDI SILA.
The “Million People March” is on!
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