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NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Some 3,000 protesters gathered in Bacolod Metropolis on Saturday, October 11, for the “Grand Holy Rosary Rally” to denounce widespread corruption in government-funded infrastructure initiatives, notably flood management initiatives.
The demonstration was organized by the Catholic Diocese of Bacolod, with members praying the Rosary in unison and calling for accountability and systemic change in authorities.
Chatting with rally members, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon stated the combat towards corruption should start with “the grace of conversion by way of repentance.”
He pressured that voters ought to cease promoting their votes, as such observe allows corrupt leaders to safe positions and perpetuate a cycle of bribery and kickbacks.
“With the corruption difficulty, we’re nonetheless a part of the sport as a result of we had been those who voted for these corrupt leaders,” Buzon stated. “However via the grace of conversion, we modify. And, in that approach, we’ll see the Kingdom of God, reality, justice, compassion, love and peace.”
The rally additionally featured a choral recitation by college students from Bacolod Metropolis Nationwide Excessive Faculty, and younger activists who expressed their frustration via chants resembling “Pagod na pagod na pagod na pagod na kami” (we’re actually fed up now) and “Nasaan na ang aming kinabukasan?” (The place is our future?)
Reverend Father Jonas Sumagaysay stated greater than 3,000 individuals, together with parishioners, clergy, college students, and professors from numerous church buildings within the Diocese of Bacolod, participated within the rally.
Reverend Father Anecito “Mao” Buenafe famous that the turnout exceeded expectations, particularly contemplating the occasion was organized simply 5 days prior. He identified that the variety of members surpassed the attendance on the “Negros Trillion Peso March” on September 21, which had roughly 1,500 attendees.
One other protest towards authorities corruption is scheduled for November 30 in Bacolod, as organizers vow to proceed their efforts till these accountable are held accountable.
The protests in Bacolod and Negros Occidental adopted ongoing investigations into corruption in flood management initiatives throughout the nation.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon reported that 421 out of roughly 8,000 flood management initiatives nationwide had been discovered to be “ghost” initiatives – nonexistent or incomplete works that had been falsely reported as accomplished. Allegations recommend that lawmakers and authorities district engineers acquired kickbacks, whereas contractors had been chosen based mostly on their connections and willingness to shell out cash and conspire.
The scandals have continued to spark public outrage and led to snowballing requires accountability.
In response to the general public outcry, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has initiated audits and investigations into the implicated initiatives and officers. An impartial fee has been established to supervise the inquiry, and several other public works officers have been suspended or resigned. – Rappler.com
