WITH only 45 days left before the November 30 call for protest of the Trillion Peso March Movement, Akbayan Partylist launched a nationwide countdown and ultimatum to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure: to file charges and arrest those involved in the trillion peso flood control scandal—from corrupt legislators to conniving bureaucrats and favored contractors.
Akbayan President Rafaela David dared the government: “Anong petsa na? Wala pa ring nakukulong. We challenge the ICI to file cases and ensure corrupt officials are arrested before our November 30 gathering at EDSA. Ang tagal na naghihintay ng taumbayan, kelangan may deadline tayong i-set para masiguradong seryoso ang gobyerno sa pagpapanagot ng kurakot.”
The party also highlighted that these strong efforts will show to accused crooks like the Discayas that cooperation is not optional.
“Kapag maipakita ng ICI na seryoso sila, and mga tiwali katulad ng Discaya ay makikita na hindi optional ang cooperation. The ICI must show that it is not in the business of bartering with the powerful and the corrupt. State witness man o hindi, panahon na harapin ang musika at isiwalat na ang totoo.”
The ICI should send a strong message that they are serious about busting corrupt officials, especially those at the topmost of the food chain.
“Kapag mahirap ang nagnakaw, kulong agad. Pero kapag mayaman at makapangyarihan, may trip to Europe. Klaro ang mensahe natin – walang hustisya kung walang makukulong na kurakot.” David added.
David said the countdown serves as both a warning and a call to action for citizens tired of impunity among the powerful. “Hindi ito basta countdown lang,” she stressed. “Ito ay hamon at paalala sa gobyerno na ang pasensya ng taumbayan ay may hangganan. The wheels of justice must turn swiftly before their time is up.”
She added that the Trillion Peso March on November 30, set at the EDSA People Power Monument, will unite the church, citizens’ groups, youth organizations, workers, and reform advocates demanding accountability for the massive corruption in flood control projects.
