‘Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally not about Cha-cha’

MANILA, Philippines — The kick-off rally of Bagong Pilipinas today at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila is not a show of force by the government to support efforts for Charter change (Cha-cha), according to officials of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Definitely not. This is an activity by the executive department for the covenant of Bagong Pilipinas, this is a show of commitment of the executive department to do its job and invite the public to participate,” PCO Undersecretary Gerard Baria said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

Citing his talks with barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares said the Marcos administration is planning to use the rally to gather support for Cha-cha.

“The administration will also use this rally to push for Cha-cha and make it look that those who came are supporting this,” he said in a statement in Filipino posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The former lawmaker also scored the government for “wasting” public funds for the activity while most Filipinos are reeling from poverty, and noted that government workers are also forced to attend the rally.

“In the middle of poverty and absence of aid, the government would spend for a rally that is irrelevant,” Colmenares said.

Responding to his allegations, Baria said that Cha-cha is within the territory of Congress and not of the executive department.

Asked if attendance of government workers is mandatory, Baria said the activity could be compared to a Christmas party in private companies attended by employees.

“It’s similar to a Christmas party. It’s a happy event. We’re not really technically required to attend, but we will give our support for our company, we will join the celebration,” he explained.

He also emphasized that the significance of Bagong Pilipinas, which is about good governance, deserves publicity.

“Press release is not enough. It should be drummed up,” Baria said.

PCO director Anna Cristina Villonco, who is among the officials in charge of the event expected to draw 200,000 people from the government and other supporters, also denied that the rally is about Cha-cha.

“I can assure you that it is not the case. Definitely not,” Villonco said.

DILG Undersecretary for project development management Odilon Pasaraba said they are encouraging rank-and-file employees of their department to participate.