In commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, progressive groups across Panay gather at the Infante Flyover in Iloilo City today, September 21, to call for accountability amid the rampant corruption plaguing the country.
The flock will then march along General Luna Avenue towards the Office of the Ombudsman Iloilo.
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10:28 A.M.
10:50 A.M.
Iloilo Super Market vendor Nena Lebrilla questions the Iloilo City LGU’s actions towards the bolanteros who live off selling goods in the streets, as well as the privatization of the marketplace.
“Pano kami mangabuhi sina? Diin kami ibutang? Diin kami mabaligya? Pano kami makakaon kung wala kami sang may mabutangan?,” Lebrilla expressed.
10:53 A.M.
Lucia Capaducio of PAMANGGAS Panay and Guimaras criticizes the government of the laws that put the Filipino people on a disadvantage and called on genuine land reform.
From rice tarrification law, land grabbing, 99-year land lease to foreign investors, Capaducio said that these negatively affect the peasants in the country, keeping them poor and landless.
11:00 A.M.
The transport sector, represented by Eduard Gimong of the No to Oil Price Hike Coalition, expressed dismay on the persistent oil price hike, heavily affecting public utility drivers.
“Ready na kamo sa pa-paskwa nila buwas? Onse pesos na naman [ang dugang sa presyo sang litro sang gasolina],” he said.
Gimong added that the government keeps on being blind on the struggles of the transport sector.
“Tungod nga tulog ang aton gobyerno, padayon kita nga magasabad, magamartsa, kag magasinggitan diri sa dalanon.”
The issue on traditional jeepney phaseout was also tackled by him.
11:16 A.M.
Mario Andon of United Labor Panay spoke on behalf of the labor sector, calling for a fair treatment on their force who contribute much to the country’s economy.
11:21 A.M.
On the stage is Benjamin Israel Fuentespina of Paman-on Kontra Korapsyon, calls on the government to prioritize student grievances and scrap budget cuts that continue to affect school operations.
“Ang Martial Law nagapadayon hasta subong sa anak ni Marcos Sr. sa porma sang budget cut sa edukasyon, pagbaligya sang duta sa imperyalista, pag-exploit sa kabataan para sa cheap labor,” he said.
“Kung indi kita, sin-o? Kung indi subong, san-o?” he added.
11:35 A.M.
Progressive groups have started lining up ahead of their march towards the Office of the Ombudsman Iloilo Field Office.
11:39 A.M.
Protesters are now marching towards the Office of the Ombudsman to denounce the persistent government corruption.
11:59 A.M.
An estimated 20-min waiting time occurred before the delegation of the Kahublagan Kontra Korapsyon after the door leading up to the Office of the Ombudsman was locked.
12:32 P.M.
The delegation is now inside the office and is currently having a discussion with personnel from the Office of the Ombudsman.
12:53 P.M.
KKK’s delegation has concluded their closed-door discussion with the Office of the Ombudsman. They followed up the complaints regarding the they filed to the office
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