Ahead of the “Trillion Peso March” rallies set for Sunday, September 21, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called on Filipinos to join these “peaceful assemblies” and demand accountability and justice in the face of the mounting evidence of the multi-billion flood control corruption within government agencies.
In an interview on Basta Batas, the senator underscored the importance of a “united” and “mobilized” citizenry to fight against corruption and demand the “whole truth” and not a “sanitized version of the truth.”
“The best safeguard for any abuses is a people who are united, mobilized, organized, fighting speaking up, and being vocal,” he said. “Meron mga peaceful demonstrations sa mga darating na mga araw. I encourage ang ating mga kababayans to participate in these peaceful assemblies. I encourage them to speak out.”
While he recognized the frustrations and the discouragement, Pangilinan asked Filipinos not to lose hope.
“Wag po sila bibitiw. Mas marami sa ating mga kababayan na walang boses, walang kapangyarihan, na inaapi, na kinakailangan nila ng boses,” he said.
“And I’ve said this to young people: be the voice to those who are voiceless, be brave to those who are afraid, who have fears, and be strong for those who are weak. I’m sure malalampasan natin ito,” the senator added.
Pangilinan—a former student activist and a staunch advocate of accountability, transparency, and social justice—will be at the EDSA Shrine on September 21 to attend mass there.
The Trillion Peso March is a nationwide protest against corruption linked to the controversial flood control projects. Parallel protests will be conducted at the Rizal Shrine and the EDSA People Power Monument.