Anti-pork protesters reminded not to ‘act like pigs’

Clean up before you go. Rally organizers and officials of the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) on Sunday asked participants of this Monday’s picnic protest against the pork barrel to maintain peace, order and cleanliness as they troop to the Luneta.

“Let it not be said that pigs disguised as humans came and took control of the park to lambast the rotten  pork barrel,” said Aileen Lucero, acting national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.

Kenneth Montegrande, NPDC spokesperson, reminded demonstrators to comply with the rules they agreed upon with park authorities for the demonstration dubbed Million People March.

“There’s no program, it’s spontaneous. Different groups have their own gimmicks,” said Montegrande.

But he stressed, “Definitely, there should be no burning of effigies, no putting up posters or tarpaulins on trees. This is to avoid damage particularly on murals, statues, park landscape and other fixtures.”

“Since it’s also National Heroes’ Day, let’s be heroes ourselves. Let’s show discipline and help the NPDC maintain cleanliness,” he added.

Montegrande said Radio Veritas would be offering a Mass at 9 a.m. near the monument of San Lorenzo Ruiz, while the US Pinoys for Good Governance would sponsor a concert in front of Quirino Grandstand to provide a focal point for the gathering.

The Burnham Green, the open space in front of Quirino Grandstand, can accommodate 600,000 people, Montegrande said.

“Our quest for clean government is not detached from our struggle for a zero-waste and toxics-free nation,” said Ecowaste’s Lucero. Rizal Park had a “no smoking, no littering” policy, she added.

EcoWaste suggested the use reusable bags and the bringing of drinking water in refillable jugs.