THE Akbayan Party, participating in today’s Second Trillion Peso March in EDSA, challenged President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to take decisive action against corruption, stating, “Jail the country’s big-time plunderers, or seal your fate before 2028.”
“Enough with the press conferences and announcements. Enough with only going after small fries. Charge, arrest, and imprison the big fish. If this isn’t done before Christmas, he has buried his political future,” declared Akbayan President Rafaela David. “Mr. President, time is ticking. Catch the big fish or sink in political ruin before 2028. Your actions this coming days will determine your fate.”
Akbayan also challenged Marcos Jr. to certify the Anti-Dynasty Bill as urgent, calling it a crucial step in addressing public outrage against corruption fueled by decades of dynastic rule.
“We dare this administration not merely to meet the people’s expectations on corruption, but to surpass them with unmistakable boldness. The Executive must certify the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill as urgent. The flood control scandal is but a symptom of a deeper, systemic ailment: a bitter dynastic war between the camp of Marcos Jr. and the Dutertes, and the unchecked stranglehold of political families, which enables corruption of staggering proportions to flourish,” David asserted.
Rep. Perci Cendaña highlighted the Duterte family as a prime example of why the Anti-Dynasty Bill is necessary: “The Dutertes show how dynasties not only plunder together but at their worst, they also kill together. Their wanton abuse of power makes them a danger to all Filipinos.” He added, “Therefore, we will not allow Sara to ride on the anger of the people to bring the Dutertes back to Malacanang.”
Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno challenged Marcos Jr., stating, “If the President is serious about ending corruption, he must address its root cause not just its symptoms. By certifying the Anti-Dynasty Bill as urgent, he would send a bold and unmistakable message that he is genuinely committed to meaningful reform.”
The Akbayan Reform Bloc and Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros have already filed their versions of the Comprehensive Anti-Dynasty Bill, which aims to prohibit relatives from simultaneously holding and running for public office, up to the fourth degree.
