CDO groups launch coalition vs. corruption following protests
Priests and seminarians join the Trillion Peso March against corruption in Cagayan de Oro on September 21, carrying placards that denounce graft and call for justice. (Photo by Shayne Acobo)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Following the nationwide Trillion Peso March against corruption, participating organizations in the city announced plans to form a coalition called Kagay-anon Kontra Korapsyon.
In his statement, Nestor Banuag Jr. of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) said the coalition will be multisectoral, bringing together workers, youth, religious groups, and parents.
“We want this to be concretized,” Banuag said, referring to the protest efforts, stressing that the fight does not end after the rally.
As Namfrel CDO head, Banuag said he saw the opportunity to institutionalize the movement by forming an oversight group to monitor the implementation of local government projects in the city.
The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (ACDO) has expressed support for the initiative and will serve as the coalition’s secretarial arm.
READ: At least 1,000 join Church-led protest vs corruption in CDO
During the rally, ACDO Lay Coordinator Bong Florendo urged participants to remain committed, “Kini atong lihok karun, dili matapos karung adlawa.” (This movement we started today should not end today.)
Banuag added that the coalition hopes to sustain its momentum through a series of meetings and will tap legal experts to further strengthen its structure and advocacy./coa
