Independence Day rally to call for resignation of “pork suspects”

“Resign! Prosecute! Jail!”

CEBU, Philippines - These are the three demands during tomorrow’s interfaith rally the Cebu Coalition Against the Pork Barrel System is spearheading at Fuente Osmeña Rotunda in time for the commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day celebration.

“Ang main topics nga tuki-on is ang implication sa tulo ka panawagan,” said one of the lead convenors, Monsignor Rommel Kintanar, during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

Kintanar referred to the three senators who are already charged in relation to the pork barrel scam, hoping that they will resign immediately.

He said they would also call for the speedy investigation and prosecution of the charges as well as the jailing of those who are found guilty.

Further, Kintanar expressed concern on why only Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada were charged for plunder.

“Makapahingawa ngano tulo ra. Kanus-a man pud makompleto ang imbestigasyon sa uban? Maayo unta ma-address ang isyu sa giingong political harassment sa opposition,” said Kintanar.

Coalition member Stella Palomo Monteño said the truth will come out very soon as mass actions are getting stronger in Manila.

Monteño said releasing various lists of lawmakers involved in the pork barrel scam is just a political ploy to make the public confused.

“Mao na ang simbahan mogiya gyud all sides ug sa mga grupo nga allies sa Cebu Coalition kung asa gyud ang tinuod,” Monteño said at the same forum.

The coalition is targeting 2,000 participants during the interfaith rally tomorrow but is also preparing for around 6,000 attendees, said Monteño.

“It will be a peaceful rally. We are concentrating on issues not personalities targeted,” added Monteño.

Kintanar said there will be three speakers, including Reverend Jessie Primacio of  the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and Ken Ecarma of the Student Alliance for National and Democracy-University of San Carlos (Stand-USC).

The activity in Cebu is part of the simultaneous protest actions to be held in several cities around the country for the June 12 Rally for Accountability.

President Benigno Aquino III will be in Naga City in Bicol for the Independence Day celebration and is also expected to be greeted with protest actions. —/ATO (FREEMAN)