By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
With nationwide anti-corruption rallies held Sunday in various places across the country ending without any untoward incidents, the Malacañang expressed gratitude for the demonstrators’ observance of peace and order during these assemblies.
People from all walks of life also gathered at protest actions held in Luneta Park and Mendiola in Manila, and at the People’s Monument in Quezon City, voicing their sentiments of anger, frustration, and disappointment over the flood control mess.
This showcase of discipline by the rallyists worked vis-à-vis comprehensive preparations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure security during the onset of the ‘Trillion Peso March’, thus avoiding a repeat of violent incidents that rocked the September 21 protests.
In a media release Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez touted these demonstrations as proof of the government’s unwavering commitment to protect the citizens’ right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Secretary Gomez said in an interview, “Well, so far natutuwa kami sa ating mga rallies. Nasabi na ng ibang tagapagsalita natin na ang administrasyon ay naniniwala sa freedom of expression at pinoprotektahan natin ‘yong right ng ating mga mamamayan to peaceably assemble. At natutuwa nga kami na so far, peaceful ‘yong ating mga rallies na nakikita.”
Gomez, meanwhile, reassured the citizenry that the government is focused on building strong cases to ensure that those responsible for this pressing national concern will be held accountable for their actions, citing lessons learned from the previous probe on the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) cases.
He added that probes by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are nearing completion, with several cases already pending before the Ombudsman.
The PCO Chief concluded, noting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains unfazed by resignation calls from the opposition, “Ang ating Pangulo ay hindi madi-distract sa mga ganyang panawagan. Mayroon siyang responsibilidad na dapat gampanan. Ito ay tugisin yung mga may sala dito sa anti-corruption campaign na ito.”
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