President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “supposed concern” over potential violence during the upcoming November 30 protest is a sign of fear of being held accountable, according to activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN).
The group accused Marcos Jr. of trying to control how the public expresses its outrage over widespread corruption, including his alleged approval of pork barrel funds and ghost projects.
“Marcos Jr. should stop dictating how people express their outrage against the continuing large-scale corruption in government. His supposed concern about violence betrays his fear of being made accountable for his key role in approving the release of pork barrel funds and ghost projects,” BAYAN said in a statement.
BAYAN emphasized that Marcos Jr. should instead focus his concern on the Philippine National Police, the Manila local government, and officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), whom they hold responsible for the violent dispersal of protesters in Mendiola on September 21 and the alleged torture of detained demonstrators.
Rather than addressing the root of the problem, BAYAN said the government is diverting attention to how protests are conducted, while ignoring the real issues — ongoing corruption, cover-ups of crimes, and impunity.
The group cited instances of repression, including police summons issued to student leaders and harassment cases filed against participants of the September 21 protest.
“It is the police and authorities who should be reminded to exercise maximum tolerance during protests,” BAYAN asserted, pointing to roadblocks, arbitrary checkpoints, signal jamming, and other restrictions as evidence of attempts to suppress demonstrations.
BAYAN also condemned the heavy police presence at rallies, calling it a sign of “government paranoia” and a deliberate effort to stifle free expression.
The group called for larger and bolder mobilizations on November 30 and beyond, as part of its ongoing campaign for accountability and its struggle against what it describes as “bureaucrat capitalism” in society. (ZIA LUNA)
