Palace Speaks on Stand of Marcos Jr. over Anti-Corruption Protest Actions
MARCOS JR. – Malacañang revealed the request of the President to the protesters who want to conduct street rallies versus corruption.
Countless Filipinos were left disappointed over the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption in the Philippines. Several senators and congressmen were tagged in the issue. Last September 21, thousands of Filipinos joined the “Trillion Peso March”.
Presidential cousin and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez who recently resigned from being the House speaker is one of the government officials who are accused of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects of the government. He stepped down from the House speakership amid the issue and claimed that he wants the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI to be able to fully and freely conduct their mandate without undue influence.
Aside from Romualdez, several other congressmen including Quezon City Cong. Arjo Atayde, Pasig Cong. Roman Romulo, and Marikina Cong. Marcy Teodoro as well as resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co were also accused by the Discayas of flood control corruption. Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya claimed they allegedly had no choice but to ride on the supposed “system”.
In the Senate, Sen. Chiz Escudero who is accused of allegedly receiving a P160-million kickback from the flood control projects was ousted from the Senate presidency. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva were also tagged in the flood control scam.
Recently, protest actions were once again conducted. Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga led an anti-Marcos protest outside Forbes Park in Makati City. However, the said rally called for the resignation of Pres. Bongbong Marcos amid the flood control issue in the country.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, several groups announced plans to conduct regular protest actions against corruption amid the flood control mess in the country. Following the claim of several groups, Malacañang clarified the stand of Marcos Jr. with regards to protest rallies.
According to Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro, Marcos Jr. will not block the protest actions against corruption. However, based on the report, the Malacañang press officer bared that the President has a request for the protesters.
“Kung ang kanilang pagpoprotesta ay naaayon sa batas, hindi naman po iyan pipigilan ng Pangulo. Ang tangi lamang pong hiling ng Pangulo ay kung kayo ay magpoprotesta dapat naaayon sa batas. Kung hindi po ito naaayon sa batas at kayo po ay lumalabag na dapat po siguro kayong kasuhan,” the Palace official said.
Previously, Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga claimed that he is allegedly set to file an impeachment complaint against the President. Malacañang spoke on Marcos Jr. regarding Barzaga’s supposed impeachment complaint against him.