Over fifty groups have pledged to converge for the September 21 protest against corruption.
Gabriel Siscar of the Kabataan Partylist said, “On September 21, the people of Baguio and Benguet will unite as one against corruption. Every Filipino has the right to call for accountability as every one of us pays taxes.”
Baguio-Benguet groups have agreed to converge at 9 a.m. at the Baguio Convention Center, marching toward Harrison Road, crisscrossing to Malcolm Square for a program by groups and performers. This gathering is set on the historical remembrance of the declaration of Martial Law by former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972.
The gathering has taken a twist 53 years later with youth groups taking the helm at organizing pocket protests against corruption in government and its impact on the community, in the midst of a Blue Ribbon Senate investigation into anomalous infrastructure projects.
Siscar said, “Let us tear down the corruption that robs our future and destroys our communities. No more stolen funds, no more empty promises; we demand justice and action now.”
Community support has pitched in with the Baguio Pro-AVL (Professional Audio-Video and Lighting). Michael Laurence Quirino, Rj Lu, Audio Enhance Sounds and Lights, Reinforcement Lights & Sounds, and MTS Digital by Mario Menor have all pledged to provide the needed technical services for the gathering, which has snowballed into sectors giving speeches and performers pitching in their curated pieces.
Multisectoral groups likewise have joined the fray to support the call against corruption. The Regional Ecumenical Council in the Cordillera (RECCORD) said, “[We] stand in solidarity with the people of Baguio and Benguet in their call for justice, accountability, and good governance. As corruption continues to rob our nation of resources for education, health, livelihood, and disaster response, we are reminded of the biblical mandate: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).”
RECCORD has opened the call to invite member churches, institutions, partners, and faith-based organizations. They are encouraged to bring streamers, placards, or symbols of faith and justice, and are welcome to share messages, prayers, or reflections during the program. “Let us unite with fellow citizens, regardless of political color, in bearing witness that corruption is not only a political issue but a moral and spiritual crisis. Together, let us embody God’s call for truth, righteousness, and life abundant for all.”
The Liberal Youth Baguio-Benguet also sent out a message on their social media account: “Let us tear down the corruption that robs our future and destroys our communities. No more stolen funds, no more empty promises; we demand justice and action now.”
Joel Capulong, Association of Concerned Teachers Cordillera Union Chair, said, “What is happening now is not entirely new. It is part of a long tradition of student activism in the city. Back in January 2001, when President Joseph “Erap” Estrada was ousted through People Power, young Gen X and Millennial students in Baguio took to the streets. It started at UP Baguio, where students and teachers began their march to BCF, now UC. From there, they continued down Session Road where UB and SLU HS students were waiting. Along the way, they were joined by students from SLU and BCU, forming one united movement.”
The Sunday program at Malcolm Square is set until 3 p.m. By Maria Elena Catajan