Songs, fiery speeches kick off Million People March 2 in Makati

Anti-pork protesters gather in Makati City on Friday, Oct. 7, 2013 for a second “Million People March” to reiterate their demand to abolish the pork barrel system. Although the crowd was much smaller compared to the first Million People March in Luneta, calls for the immediate scrapping of the fund by the government were as fervent as when they were first heard. Video by INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — With the arrival of thousands of protesters at Ayala in Makati City, fiery speeches and socially-relevant music kicked of the anti-pork barrel rally.

Jograd Dela Torre was among the first to perform his song “Kawatan,” now dubbed as the national anthem of the anti-pork barrel movement.

This was followed by Vencer Crisostomo of Youth Act Now who rallied the crowd to continue to protest against the numerous anomalies in government.

“We called for the abolition of the pork barrel but it was retained…We called for the punishment of those who are accountable but there is special treatment,” Crisostomo said.

“All the reasons to protest are here…We’re not going to stop until we succeed (in achieving change for the country,” he said.

In a bid to sustain the energy of the crowd, Chikoy Pura of the Jerks sang a series of rocking songs including “Rage,” which tackle the issues of poverty and oppression.

Noy Morcoso III / INQUIRER.net

RELATED STORIES

Anti-pork protesters who converged at Makati fire station arrive at Ayala Triangle

Militant groups join ‘Million People March’

Security tight in Makati for Million People March 2