ADVERTISEMENT
“The fact that as early as 2007, the transactions of the bogus NGOs have already started should have been enough reason not to continue with their accreditation. But, the DA did not lift a finger to delist and file criminal cases against the said NGOs. As such, it could be reasonably concluded that the respondents-officials of the DA have conspired and benefited from the scam.”
It has been a long way since from the culture of the Katipunan to the present pork barrel system in the Philippines, a legacy of colonial US to the country to make its political protégées follow its bidding.
Read also Second Part: Participative democracy: substitute to the pork barrel system
The collectivism of the Katipunan has been drowned out by the noise and hurly-burly of self-centered modern living and the pursuit of unbridled political ambitions by some, which have wrought havoc among our people.
The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines in the Zambasulta Region said his group and civil society organizations offered viable options to break the standoff sooner between the MNLF followers of Misuari, and state security forces in Zambo.
“Don’t our officials feel betrayed? We are being bullied by China, we go to the US for help. In return, they sold us junk materials at a very high price, only to find out that US is also talking to China about possible mutual defense arrangements.” – Bayan Muna Rep.
"Where are the funds for the poor?” – Kadamay
“The Aquino government fails to grasp the historical roots of the Bangsamoro struggle.” – Dean Julkipli M. Wadi, Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines
Baguio's Strike Week slams pork barrel and demands higher state subsidy to education.
"The reason why we are protesting today is because all succeeding regimes after Marcos failed to stamp out bureaucrat plunder and government abuse. The pork barrel scam reminds us how little has changed from the time of the dictator. Clearly, the system is the problem.” – Dr. Carol Pagaduan-Araullo, Bayan
“Someone has to be held accountable for this humanitarian crisis, where thousands are made to suffer and children are getting sick in evacuation centers.” – Neil Murad, Suara Bangsamoro
“Women and their families have long been burdened by high prices resulting from regressive taxes such as the E-VAT while the President and legislators have been misusing and abusing the people's money.” – Gabriela
Zambo evacuees recount the "politeness" of MNLF members, and the "oddness" of the state military burning houses of civilians as a strategy.
It is their first time to attend a protest rally to add their voice to the clamor against the pork barrel, and it became a learning experience as well.
“There were lots of posts circulating in Facebook. Why just one day? They said it would be better if we do it for a week or a month.” – Migrante International
A community of readers and supporters that help us sustain our operations through microdonations for as low as $1.
Save as PDF