Cayetano urges public to join protest actions: Let our voices be heard

MANILA, Philippines— Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday urged the public to join protest actions whether online or by forming small communities.

He made the call as thousands of protesters gathered in various locations in Metro Manila early Tuesday morning.

“So, my friends, I ask you today, number one, to pray. Prayer can move mountains,” Cayetano said in a Facebook live.

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READ: INC airs support for Marcoleta, hits ‘selective justice’

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“Number two, participate in your way. If what you can do is pray, then pray. If what you can do is pray but also post in your Facebook, in your Instagram, or any other social media platform, do that. If you have WhatsApp or Viber groups, use them to help open our fellow Filipinos’ eyes to what is happening in our country.”

“To those of you in Greater Metro Manila who are able to make your voices heard, please join our protest actions. Let us show our support and make our voices heard,” the senator added.

Police identified at least four areas where protest actions are being held: the People Power Monument, Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) near Connecticut Street and the Edsa Shrine in Quezon City; and the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

Among those who reportedly joined the Edsa rally are members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

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“Now, if you can’t make it to Edsa but you have a small community, gather together—even if it’s just 10, 20, or 30 people. Post it on social media,”  Cayetano further said.

This is important, he said, to protest an alleged attempt to cover up corruption in government by filing a non-bailable plunder case or arresting anyone.

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He then cited the case of Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, who has been charged with plunder and jailed over the flood control scandal.

And now, Cayetano believes there is another attempt to do the same to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who is being threatened with a plunder case in connection with the alleged P75 million in campaign donations he received.

The minority leader linked all these to the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte and the minority group’s push to continue the flood control probe through the Senate blue ribbon committee.

“This is non-bailable. It means he (Marcoleta) would be suspended and detained until the case is resolved. That means he would not be able to take part in the Blue Ribbon Committee, Senate sessions, or the impeachment proceedings,” Cayetano said.

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The investigation into the flood control mess started when Marcoleta was head of the blue ribbon panel and continued by his successor, Sen. Panfilo Lacson. /mr