Palace tells 'pork' protesters: We're on the same side

Louis Bacani(The Philippine Star)

August 26, 2013 - 3:21pm

Roman Catholic priest Fr. Robert Reyes, second from left, prepares to run blindfolded along with supporters to protest the recent pork barrel scandal which centered on businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, who allegedly collaborated with Philippine senators and congressmen in channeling the funds but went into hiding after she was charged with illegal detention of a whistle-blower. The pork barrel scandal prompted President Benigno Aquino III to go on nationwide television and promised to reform a system that allows lawmakers to allocate government funds following an audit that millions of dollars were misused. AP/Bullit Marquez

MANILA, Philippines - MalacaÃ±ang expressed support for the thousands who gathered at Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) on Monday to protest against the pork barrel system.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a televised press briefing that the Aqunio administration is with the protesters on the same side in the fight against corruption.

"Ano bang pinaglalaban nila? Saan ba sila galit?" asked Lacierda. "Galit po sila sa maling gamit ng pera ng bayan. Hindi ho ba iyan po ang nilalabanan natin?'

"The message is clear: We are on the same side," he added. "Laban ho tayo sa corruption."

Lacierda noted that citizens now know that they have a role in the campaign for good governance.

He said like Monday's protest, the government welcomes other initiatives and ideas from the public regarding transparency and accountability.

"After Monday, kung gusto niyong magbigay ng rekomendasyon sa DBM, bukas po ang ating kalihim," said Lacierda.

But the Palace official also said that the fight against corruption does not end in the event on Monday dubbed as the "Million People March Protest."

"Ang kailangan ho natin ay consistent attitude towards ensuring that our money will not be abused and corruption should not be tolerated in any form," Lacierda said.

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