Gov’t workers to join Monday rally

MANILA, Philippines - Government workers will be joining Monday’s nationwide protests against the pork barrel system and Charter change for possible term extension of President Aquino.

The rallies will coincide with the launching of a signup campaign in Rizal Park for a people’s initiative seeking six million signatures to abolish all forms of pork barrel in government.

Members of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) announced yesterday they will be joining the Aug. 25 protest actions.

“We say enough of four years of pay cuts, taxes on benefits, disallowances and refunds, contractualization, privatization and layoffs. Enough of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, pork barrel funds and other means to control and use much-needed funds for the benefits of the Kapartido, Kapamilya, Kaklase, etc. Enough of poverty and arrogance,” Rose Nartates, Courage secretary- general, said.

“The ranks of government employees in red and black will be another column marching with the people from different sectors against Charter change and term extension. It is high time to nip the seeming arrogance of the present administration, which knows no bounds nor recognizes that the power they brandish emanates from the people,” she added.

Other groups participating in the rallies are the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Abolish Pork Movement, Scrap Pork Network, Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, Concerned Citizens Movement, Babae Laban sa Katiwalian, Youth ACT Now!, Whistleblowers Association, Artista Kontra Korapsyon and other sectoral groups.

Signature booths

The Kilusang Mayo Uno said it would set up booths at Rizal Park where people can sign up for the abolition of the pork barrel system and opposition to proposed Cha-cha, KMU officer Jerome Adonis said.

The signature booths will be open from 8 a.m. to  noon.

“We are calling on all Filipinos to continue the fight against the pork barrel funds and corruption in government. Let us show Aquino that we will continue fighting corruption no matter the change in modus operandi or cast of characters involved,” Adonis said.

He urged the public to join Monday’s nationwide protests against the pork barrel and avert government’s efforts to amend the Constitution in a bid to extend the President’s term.

The National People’s Congress and youth leaders will troop to Cebu City today for the launch of the people’s initiative.

MPD ready for anti-‘pork’ rallies

The Manila Police District (MPD) is all set for the scheduled anti-pork barrel protests, an official said yesterday.

Chief Inspector Lucille Faycho, MPD operations chief, said additional policemen would be deployed at Rizal Park.

Around 20,000 people, including religious and civil society groups, are expected to attend the gathering.  – With Mayen Jaymalin, Aie Balagtas See