Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes. NOY MORCOSO/FILE PHOTO INQUIRER.net
The militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) is preparing for two events to mark the inauguration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte as the 16th chief executive of the country.
Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr. said that they will conduct a “National People’s Summit” on June 29 where they will determine the issues that Duterte should address during his first 100 days in office.
“The summit will give proposals on 5 key areas: economy, social policy, peace and human rights, anti-corruption and governance and foreign policy,” Reyes said in a statement on Thursday.
He said that the proposals will be forwarded to Duterte’s Cabinet, Congress leaders and peace negotiators.
READ: Duterte can do more for peace process than Aquino—Bayan
On June 30, Reyes said that they will stage a “big rally” to coincide with Duterte’s inauguration–but he was quick to clarify that it is not a protest action against the firebrand mayor.
He said that the protest is in support of Duterte’s “pro-people pronouncements.”
“After the summit, there will be a big rally on June 30, coinciding with the presidential inauguration, in support of the peace talks, the release of political prisoners, the people’s agenda for change as well as in support of Duterte’s pro-people pronouncements,” he said.
“We’d like to make it clear that the June 30 rally is not a protest against Duterte but rather an affirmation of the people’s desire for genuine change,” he added.
Duterte’s inauguration rites will be held at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace where guests will be served with native delicacies and buko juice.
Duterte’s camp opted for inauguration rites separate from those of Vice President-elect Maria Leonor Robredo. The decision came after statements that the Camarines Sur lawmaker will not have a post in the Duterte Cabinet.
READ: Rody tells Leni: I want a separate inauguration
The Duterte camp said that the separate inaugurations will allow Robredo to have more guests.
“We believe that Leni Robredo’s family and supporters who worked hard for her deserve also to be present to celebrate her victory. And this can only be possible through a separate inauguration,” Duterte’s executive assistant Bong Go said in a statement. AJH/JE/rga