The son of a dictator now says he’s ready to march.
In a striking statement during his September 15 presidential address, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared that he does not blame the protesters rallying against corruption in flood control projects. Instead, he acknowledged their anger and said:
“If I wasn’t president, I might be out in the streets with them.”
A surprising show of solidarity, especially given his family’s history as the very target of mass protests against human rights abuses and plunder.
Marcos claimed he was the one who exposed the irregularities in the multi-billion peso flood control projects, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable. He emphasized that public outrage is valid and must be heard:
“To show that you are enraged… angry… disappointed. To show that you want justice… fairness, what’s wrong with that?”
“I want to show that there is justice… There is fairness.”
Still, he urged demonstrators to keep their protests peaceful, warning that if things escalate, law enforcement will be obligated to maintain order.
Marcos previously assured the public that the “big fish” behind the flood control scam would face charges. He also announced the creation of an Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate the issue.
But for progressive groups, words aren’t enough. Their call, real accountability, not rhetoric.
A massive protest is being organized for September 21 at Luneta and the People Power Monument, led by youth coalitions, church networks, and civil society organizations. Their demands:
– Immediate arrest of those involved in the flood control scam
– Dismantling of the pork barrel system
– Full transparency in infrastructure contracts
When the son of a dictator says he’d join the rally, the public asks: If the solidarity is real, where’s the reckoning?
The people’s anger isn’t sentimental; it’s a demand for systemic change. (ZIA LUNA)
