Downpour fails to drown voices of protest vs ‘pork’

MANILA, Philippines — Rain may have forced anti-pork protesters to seek shelter momentarily but it didn’t stop the voices that rose above the downpour and called for the abolition of the pork barrel Friday night.

“Even if the rain is strong, the voice of the people is stronger,” cried one of the organizers as the protesters either brought out their umbrellas or sought shelter in nearby sheds or inside restaurants to wait out the rain that began at 7:20 p.m. and lasted for 40 minutes.

Other speakers at the rally called out to the crowd, saying that their sacrifice was just small compared to what they were fighting for.

“Mister President, your bosses are here tonight, drenched from the rain,” said Renato Reyes, secretary general of umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, in his final message.

“We will continue the fight against the pork barrel because Aquino continues to hold on to it despite the calls of the people,” he said.

The program resumed at 8 p.m. with Filipino bands fuelling nationalist sentiments with songs like “Bayan Ko”.  Before this, the protesters lit candles.

The anti-pork protesters dispersed peacefully at about 8:30 p.m. With a report from Jamie Elona

Related Stories:

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

Thousands gather at Million People March 2