On National Heroes Day, a protest vs pork barrel by true Filipino heroes: the taxpayers
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D.
The just-conceived, to be carried out battle cry as given above, born out of anti-pork barrel advocates will see the light of reality fitfully on August 26, aptly-named National Heroes’ Day as your publication goes to press.
“Isang Milyon Martsa sa Luneta,” as it is visualized is what it is: created by the speedy reaction of Filipinos and Filipino Americans against the pork barrel in its fullest notoriety, the first proclaimed protest rally of rallies.
The march has been initiated through social media, rallying sectors to participate, no shouts, no outcries, just their presence that will be overwhelming eloquence in an all-out proclamation of their ire against the avarice-ridden pork barrel system.
Strongly stated against the pork, “No benefit can possibly justify the crimes it has spawned and the systematic corruption of public institutions and officials it has promoted.”
What has been made specific was the word which traversed far and wide, asking ‘ordinary tax-paying people’ to show ‘government (that) they answer to us.’
“Tayo ang boss dito!” (We are the boss!)
Remarkably, additional notices said “no banners, no political colors, and no speeches!”
The call to arms was full of eloquence that stirred all sectors:
“What we need is a Million People March by struggling Filipino taxpayers – a day of protest by the silent majority that would demand all politicians and government officials (whatever the political stripes, color they may carry) to stop pocketing our taxes borne out from our hard work by means of these pork barrel scams and other creative criminal acts.”
The initial authors of “Isang Milyon” were themselves surprised at the speed of the reaction online.
Admittedly, those who heard about the “March,” accepted it has no ‘formal organizers,’ likening it to the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
It was learned that the rally ‘is not just for the Filipinos’ in the country’s metropolis; it has gained ground from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao, over to other shores including America’s busiest metropolitan centers.
Scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m., the attendees have been asked to meet at the Rizal Monument.
And the supporters have been asked to declare formidably: “I am Pinoy. I pay my taxes on time and full. You, my government owe me a full explanation.”
Today’s Philippines need not look for heroes on National Heroes Day.
[…] Today’s Philippines need not look for heroes on National Heroes Day. – The FilAm […]