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Groups Decry Corruption, Seek Accountability Ahead of Martial Law Anniversary
Ahead of the 54th anniversary of the Martial Law declaration, various groups in the Philippines have protested corruption and injustice. The recent acquittal of former First Lady Imelda Marcos on graft charges has particularly drawn criticism and calls for accountability from civil society and students.
Several groups convened at EDSA Shrine on Sunday, September 20, ahead of the 54th commemoration of the Martial Law declaration on September 21, demanding accountability for corruption. Participants, including students, teachers, labor groups, and religious members, united under the slogan: "Never Again. Never Forget Martial Law." Prior to the gathering at EDSA Shrine, the civil society group August Twenty One Movement held a motorcade to the Supreme Court (SC) in Manila. They aired grievances over the recent acquittal of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos of graft charges. The SC overturned her conviction, citing inadmissible and lacking probative value of the prosecution's testimonial and documentary evidence regarding alleged financial interests in seven Swiss foundations. Meanwhile, other groups marched from the House of Representatives to EDSA Shrine, protesting anomalous flood control projects, calling for an end to job contractualization, and opposing political dynasties. A group of students also gathered at La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City to proceed to EDSA Shrine and demand accountability for the flood control scandal. In preparation for the upcoming commemoration and potential protests, over 15,000 police officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and nearby regions have been deployed since Saturday evening. Quezon City Police District (QCPD) personnel were also stationed at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City in anticipation of protests on Monday. Information Source: GMA News Philippines
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GMA News Philippines