Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said on Monday, September 22, that the Filipino public must remain vigilant in the face of mounting evidence being unearthed about the massive flood control corruption involving officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and several high-ranking elected officials.
“Tuloy-tuloy lang. We should remain vigilant and sabi nga ng isang manunulat, ‘the hottest place in hell is reserved for those who during times of crisis choose to remain neutral,’” the senator said a day after the “Trillion Peso March” that drew thousands of Filipinos to the streets to protest the billions worth of anomalous flood control projects.
“Now is the time to make a stand. Now is the time to speak up. Now is the time to fight for a better future for all of us,” he added during an interview on ANC’s “Headstart.”
Pangilinan himself attended the protest on Sunday, September 21, with Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros and Reps. Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno.
He described Sunday’s massive demonstration as “democracy in action” that showed “the power of the people.”
“It is a constitutionally guaranteed right for the people to assemble peacefully to redress our government or to raise issues against the government. So, tama ito. I have said before and I continue to say up until today that the best check and safeguard against government abuses is a people that is united, organized, mobilized, and standing up for their rights,” he stressed.
The senator said the nationwide protest—which was joined by students, members of the clergy, celebrities, social media influencers, and ordinary Filipinos—is a “strong signal” to elected officials and government officials that the people will not be deterred from rising against abuses.
“But para maiwasan at hindi mabaon sa limot itong isyu na ito ay dapat tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang vigilance ng ating mga kababayan. Continue to organize. Continue to make our sentiments known,” he said.
Pangilinan also urged the public to express their views respectfully on the official social media accounts of government officials.
“Basta legitimate ang ating reklamo, ipaalam natin sa ating mga pulitiko at leaders,” he added.