A day before the anticipated anti-corruption protests to be held at the EDSA People Power Monument and Luneta Park, Francis Joseph 'Kiko' Aquino Dee, a political analyst and co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas, emphasized, “walang kulay ang korapsyon.”
In an exclusive interview at DZRH Adbokasiya on Saturday, September 20, Dee clarified that despite the differences in political groups and perspectives, the “Trillion Peso March” stands for one thing: to stand up against corruption.
However, it is not just the “Trillion Peso March,” as Dee stated that the anti-corruption protest in Luneta Park is also in solidarity with theirs.
“Ito rin ay utos ng simbahan na kahit na may iba't ibang mga political na grupo, walang kulay ang korapsyon. ‘Yun po yung sinasabi ni Bishop Colin Bagaforo. So nakikiisa po kami sa lahat ng mga tumitindig laban sa katiwalian. Mula sa lahat ng administrasyon. At yun din naman ang panawagan sa Luneta,” he said.
What is the protest about?
According to Dee, the protest would highlight the victims of corruption, particularly those who have suffered the effects of constant flooding.
"'Yung gusto naming palitawin dito sa "Trillion Peso March" ay 'yung kuwento ng mga mismong na biktima ng korapsyon. So yung mga nasiraan ng gamit sa kanilang mga bahay dahil sa baha, 'yung mga nagkasakit, at saka 'yung mga effectively nabawian ng batayang serbisyo dahil napunta sa mga anomalya 'yung pera na dapat napupunta sa serbisyo nila. So sila po 'yung magkukwento,” he explaied.
Additionally, various personalities who have witnessed corruption within the government will also be attending, including Professor Cielo Magno, Commissioner Heidi Mendoza, and former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Next steps?
Taking a closer look at the current situation, Dee said that the rallies may continue even after Sunday protests end.
"I think una sa lahat patuloy po yung mga rally. So tingin ko talagang ramdam yung galit ng mga tao na pag pinagtabi mo yung sobrang lalang mga [pag]baha, yung mga sakit, yung mga damage to property na naranasan ng mga kababayan natin at yung talagang sobrang ligayang buhay naman ng mga allegedly sangkot dito sa issue na pinapost nila sa social media," he said.
"Talagang nakakagalit siya. At sa tingin ko, hindi yan ma-express ng todo-todo sa isang rally lang sa September 21. Marami po yung rally na nakita natin sa lead up to September 21," he added, mentioning the UP Los Baños Black Friday protest.
For their group, Dee said they would be following the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and its decision.
Political accountability
From that point, Dee said he sees two types of accountability: legal and electoral.
“'Yung legal na pananagutan: ito 'yung mga pag hain ng kaso at dapat malakas 'yung mga kaso na ito para walang lusot 'yung mga sangkot dito sa korte," Dee explained.
Apart from legal accountability, Dee emphasized the importance of electoral or political accountability. Citing that politicians who would be found guilty of the crimes should also be a reminder to the public about who to vote for in the 2028 elections.
"Ito yung mga politiko na sangkot sa pag umabot po tayo sa halibawa sa issue ng pagtayo ng classroom o sa pag-procure ng medical supplies. Ito yung mga politiko na talagang...pinapahina nila yung ating sistema pang edukasyon, sistema pang kalusugan. Ito yung mga dapat talikuran natin sa 2028. So ang political accountability din po ay isang napaka halagang aspeto po sa laban natin," he stated.
The protest would formally begin at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 21, and may continue until 6:00 PM, Dee said. However, he also mentioned that there would be a pre-program at the EDSA People Power Monument at 9:30 AM.
To ensure a peaceful protest, Dee also mentioned that they conducted a meeting with the Quezon City local government, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
