Groups to hold anti-corruption rally on June 28

MANILA, Philippines — Several religious groups and civil society organizations are set to hold another anti-corruption rally dubbed as the “White Ribbon March” at the Edsa People Power Monument on June 28 to reiterate earlier calls of accountability and reforms within the government.

In a press conference on Friday, Bishop Efraim Tendero said the upcoming protest will have three main calls: To end corruption by holding erring officials accountable, to pass a genuine anti-dynasty bill, and to establish reforms in the electoral process.

It will be led by the Inter-Religious Leaders Council for National Transformation, composed of the four largest religious groups in the country, with civil society organizations such as Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (Tama Na) also joining.

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READ: Church, civil society to hold 3rd Trillion Peso March on Feb. 25

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“Our call is for all the corrupt and those involved to be held accountable. We do not side with anyone. We do not accompany or side with politicians or political positions. We only accompany our countrymen who are suffering,” Tendero said in Filipino.

According to Bishop Colin Bagaforo, the rally will be a continuation of the Trillion Peso March protests held last year and during the 40th anniversary of Edsa People Power Revolution on Feb. 25.

He said it was a “collective discernment” of inter-religious leaders to change the name of the protest to White Ribbon March to show inclusivity, noting that the upcoming rally is open to all who wish to express indignation against corruption.

READ: Bukidnon diocese gears up for Trillion Peso March

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Bagaforo said around 10,000 individuals are expected to join the protest.

As part of efforts to fight against corruption, Tama Na convenor David San Juan stressed the need to monitor the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte while holding the Marcos administration accountable over the flood control controversy.

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Tama Na also criticized the anti-political dynasty bill that was passed by the House of Representatives, urging the Senate to establish a version that will limit families to just one elective position.

The group called for reforms in the election process, saying that stricter rules must be employed against campaign donations from large companies and representatives of party lists must come from the marginalized sector.

For his part, Bishop Ellie Mercado acknowledged that the public may be feeling a “sense of despair” amid the fight against corruption, but stressed the importance of continuing to hope and join protests for the sake of future generations.

“When I was a teenager in college, we fought against corruption and the kind of dirty politics that we are seeing. After more than 50 years, here we are again. Sometimes, we bewail the fact that we are supposed to be a very religious country, but we are not righteous,” he said.

But “even when we despair,” Mercado said people must continue to hope.

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He noted that by participating in rallies, the public are able to “express in the ultimate and righteous way our indignation against sin,” which “we owe to the younger generation and to our people today.” /mr