ADVERTISEMENT
“We will be bearers of good news by denouncing the systems and structures that breed and perpetuate corruption adding up to the misery and desecration to human life and dignity of the majority poor. We shall be bearers of good news as we take active stand for truth, transparency, accountability and genuine change.” – Kalipunan ng Kristiyanong Kabataan sa Pilipinas
"Public funds are meant for everybody and not just for the few. There is a problem when only a few has control and discretion over a huge lump sum of public funds, and that's why that system has to be junked." – 10-year-old Jasmine Flores, most applauded speaker at Friday protest in Luneta
The peace policy of President Aquino should not be divisive and exclusive. It should not leave out a legitimate group just to appease another group. This is no way of talking peace in Mindanao.” - Bayan Muna Representative Zarate
To really address the roots of the Moro Question and attain a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, Aquino must conduct a comprehensive and genuine peace policy with the active participation and involvement not only of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) but also of other legitimate stakeholder organizations that include the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of Prof. Nur Misuari and the Sultanate of Sulu & North Borneo led by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. – MCPA
“Ang pork barrel ay isa lamang biik, ang dapat na mawala ay ang inahin kasi kung hindi…manganganak lang ito ng manganganak [The congressional pork barrel fund could be compared to a mere piglet, but the President's fund is the sow that will keep giving birth to offspring]." – Leonor Briones, former national treasurer
“The US government is trying to hide behind the technicality that they would not set up a permanent military base or that their troops would only have increased rotational presence here, but as it is, US troops will always be in the country on a war footing and they can use any of our military camps to attack other countries.” – Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares
See also: Framework Agreement, new paradigm, same operations
“Strategic choices being made today will help ensure that this [US military superiority] continues into the future.” – US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
Ma. Loida Magpatoc, 52 years old, had her Document of Identification with her, identifying her as one of the Jasig-protected individuals, when state security forces arrested her on July 28 in Digos City, Davao del Sur.
While the NDFP said it is open to resuming peace talks with the government, it noted that the Aquino government’s pronouncements, and its actions reveal a seeming lack of interest in pursuing the talks.
"We believe that the resumption of the peace talks between the GPH and NDFP will redound to immediate as well as long term benefits for our people." – Citizens’ Alliance for Just Peace
Filipinos from all walks of life joined the Million People March and expressed outrage against corruption and the pork barrel scam.
Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gather in Luneta to call for the scrapping of the pork barrel system and to express outrage over the blatant misuse of public funds and growing number of unsolved cases of corruption.
Government officials say the pork barrel is indispensable for development. Listen to what average citizens have to say.
"Such intolerance for dissenting views is totally unacceptable coming from the Spokesperson of the President of a putatively democratic republic." – ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio
"There is a perception now that this latest incident on the Napoles saga will be followed by a ‘political witch hunt,’ with Napoles as the main weapon, against members of the opposition and other personalities not aligned with the interest of the Aquino administration."– Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate
What could the P10 billion government officials, in collusion with Janet-Lim Napoles, buy? It could finance free health care services for Filipinos for five years; it could finance the rice production of half a million peasants; and it could provide scholarships to a lot of deserving students so that no student would have to go through the desperation and helplessness felt by the late Kristel Tejada.
A community of readers and supporters that help us sustain our operations through microdonations for as low as $1.
Save as PDF