Dioceses in EV also join the rally
TACLOBAN CITY — Various civil society groups, sectoral organizations, and militant alliances gathered here on Sunday, Nov. 30, for the local leg of the nationwide “Trillion Peso March Rally,” calling for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte amid allegations of massive corruption linked to the controversial flood control projects.
The protesters—composed of students, farmers, women’s groups, and progressive organizations—held a more than two-hour demonstration starting past 9 a.m. at the RTR Plaza, the city’s designated freedom park. Some passing motorists expressed support by honking their horns as they drove by the rally site.
Fara Diva Gamalo of the Freedom from Debt Coalition–Oriang said the country’s top leaders must be held accountable for the corruption controversies that have sparked public outrage.
“We are calling for all of them to resign, particularly Marcos and Duterte, and all others responsible for this flood control project controversy,” Gamalo said in an interview.
Though fewer than a hundred attended and the demonstration was closely monitored by city police, the groups also took the opportunity to raise long-standing social issues such as agrarian reform, workers’ wages, and economic inequalities.
At the Redemptorist Church in Tacloban, a seven-minute video illustrating the alleged impacts of the flood control scandal was shown before the start of the Mass, reflecting the growing involvement of faith communities in the call for transparency and accountability.
Dioceses across Eastern Visayas likewise participated in the Trillion Peso March by urging the faithful to stand for justice and good governance.
“Let us stand together as faithful stewards of truth, justice, and the common good,” said Bishop Isabelo Avarquez in a statement.
The dioceses of Calbayog, Borongan, Naval, Catarman, Maasin, and Palo also posted live broadcasts of the main EDSA rally on their official social media pages, signaling broad regional support for the nationwide demonstrations.
(JOEY A.GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)
