September 21 war on corruption: Massive protests outside Metro
BAGUIO CITY PROTEST composite image from KABATAAN PARTYLIST CORDILLERA
For those in Benguet, a province considered as one of the “ground zeroes” in government infrastructure corruption, the protest on Sunday, Sept. 21, which will start at the Baguio Convention Center, is kind of a “big deal.”
This was why on Thursday, Sept. 18, the youth in La Trinidad raised a bold call. “Benguet, agriing ka (rise up),” they said, convincing people to take a stand against corruption.
Who could blame them?
From 2020 to 2024, the Department of Public Works and Highways has allocated billions for flood control projects in Benguet, as well as “rock netting” projects that have been implemented by 98 contractors.
BOLD CALL. A few days before the scheduled protests on Sunday, Sept. 21, young people from La Trinidad raised a bold call to action, inviting residents to take a stand against corruption.
However, it remains to be one of the provinces hardest hit by floods and landslides.
READ: In Baguio, students add voice vs corruption in infra works
As pointed out in a statement released by Kabataan Partylist – La Trinidad, “this raises serious concerns about the quality and effectiveness” of the government projects.
No one is spared, really.
As the Department of Finance said, non-existent flood control works have cost the economy P42.3 billion to P118.5 billion in the last two years, while the Ombudsman stressed that 20 percent of government resources are lost to corruption every year.
READ: A nation rising vs corruption: Who’s leading massive protests?
This is why coordinated protests have been scheduled this weekend, on the anniversary of the declaration of martial law, with Rizal Park in Manila and EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City set to draw a massive crowd.
READ: A nation rising vs corruption: Who’s leading massive protests?
Expected to be the largest anti-corruption rally after the “Million People March” in 2013 that gathered 100,000 people to condemn the pork barrel scam, indignation rallies will be held in several provinces, as well.
- Plaza Rizal, Naga City, Camarines Sur: 8 a.m.
- Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City: 8 a.m.
- Imelda Boulevard, Virac, Catanduanes: 8:30 a.m.
- Baguio Convention Center, Baguio City: 9 a.m.
- Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro: 9 a.m.
- Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro: 9 a.m.
- St. Dominic Cathedral, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya: 9 a.m.
- Kalayaan Park, Legazpi City, Albay: 10 a.m.
- Aurora Park, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte: 11 a.m.
- RTR Plaza, Tacloban City, Leyte: 12:40 p.m.
- Plaza, San Fernando City, La Union: 1 p.m.
- Plaza Heneral Santos, General Santos City: 1 p.m.
- Plaza, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental: 1 p.m.
- Rizal Park, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 2 p.m.
- Freedom Park, Davao City: 2 p.m.
- Plaza, Borongan City, Eastern Samar: 2:45 p.m.
- Plaza Rizal, Tagbilaran City, Bohol: 3 p.m.
- Sto. Entierro St., Angeles City, Pampanga: 3 p.m.
- Iloilo City (march to start at Jaro Plaza and UP Visayas – Iloilo City): 3 p.m.
- Bandstand, Roxas City, Capiz: 5 p.m.
- St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Dagupan City, Pangasinan: 6 p.m.
- St. Rose of Lima Parish, Lingayen, Pangasinan: 6 p.m.
- St. James the Apostle Parish, Santiago City, Isabela: 7 p.m.
