As the nation commemorated the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, the Citizens Rage Against Corruption (CRAC) and other civic formations, members of the academe, artists, and Martial Law victims denounced state-led violence on multisectoral groups, extensive corruption in public works, and repression of academic and press freedom.
The alliance consists of organizations, communities, and individuals in Davao City, chastizing the different forms of corruption under the Marcos Jr. administration through protest chants, testimonies, and cultural performances.
Konsensya Dabaw Representative Mags Maglana pointed out Davaoenos’ partial and inadequate approaches of seeking accountability, highlighting the tendency to disregard local corruption over partisan politics.
“Highly selective ta sa atong pagtan-aw sa panghitabo… daghan sa mga taga-Davao karon dinhi muingon sila na dili sila sa kurakot, suko sila sa mga nagahimo ug salawayon nga butang, pero dili nila ilhon nga mismo dinhi sa Davao daghan tag-problema sa korapsyon.”
She underscored that institutional and systemic issues in the government continue to perpetuate persistent and unresolved issues, even during the times of martial law.
“Ang problema sa korapyson dili lang karon, ni-adto pang martial law, hantod karon problema gihapon tungod kay ang problema ang sistema,” Maglana added.
Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) National Chairperson Vladimer Quetua resonated with Maglana’s statement, highlighting the continued legacy of corruption among the Marcoses.
“Ngayon sa nakikita natin… dahil malinaw na malinaw na ginagawang negosyo na dapat sana ay serbisyo. Kaya mga kabataan naalala niyo nung panahon ng September 21, 1972, kurap noon ang tatay; kurap parin ngayon ang anak.”
CRAC Convener Benjie Templado stressed the significance of lobbying for transparency in the government, as every peso stolen is a peso deprived from the people.
“Dakong butang para sa atoa karon ang pagtapok na ibasura ang korapsyon… kay kada piso na maabot sa bulsa sa atong gobyerno kay piso adunay na makatabang unta sa pagpa-skwela sa ato sa mga estudyante diri sa Pilipinas.”
As multiple politicians are slowly being linked to plunder over flood control projects, MedCann Mindanao Vice President Lexi Acosta condemned corrupt politicians who live in comfort and luxury at the expense of the ordinary Filipino people’s basic needs.
“Kaning mga contractor ug opisyal sa goberno, kaning mga politiko, dynastiya ug elitista lami kaayo silag kinabuhi… samtang kita naglisod, sila kay nagpalami. While we are drowning in debt, they are drowning in luxury.”
Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) Chairman Carlos “Kaloi” Zarate made identical comparisons between the state’s violent repression and suppression under Marcos-Duterte administration, citing the contentious Anti-Terror Law has become the modern-day equivalent of Martial Law.
“Kung sa panahon ni Marcos [Sr.] gigamit niya ang anti-subversion law aron prisohun ang libohan nga Filipino, gigamit niya ang balaod-militar… sa panahon ni Duterte ilang gi-ratsada ang anti-terror law ug karon gigamit kini gihapon ni Marcos aron i-supress ang atong mga katungod.”
Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Kalayaan (SELDA) – Davao Secretary General and Martial Law survivor Fe Salino called for the immediate freedom of political prisoners, especially to those who are not physically fit for prison.
“Ang atong kampanya karon kay wala man niya gibuhian ang mga political prisoners, ang atong panawagan kay palayaun na tanan political prisoners labi natong mga naa nay sakit, naa nay namatay sa kulungan.”
Blue Knights for Human Rights (BKHR) Representative Jian Alison Paculaba emphasized the vital role of the youth in advocating change and bringing the government to justice, carrying the mantle of the previous generations.
“May papel ang kabataan sa pagsulong ng hustisya at katarungan noon, ngayon, at kailanman… For it is we, the students, the youth organizers, the dreamers of the future, who inherit both the struggle and sacrifices of those who came before us.”
Anakbayan-Southern Mindanao Region Chairperson Fauzhea Guiani vowed that the movement will continue with their acts against impunity, in pursuit of a more accountable, transparent government.
“Tanan kita nag-uban makigbatok sa korapsyon ug sa bulok na sistema busa kinahanglan atong pakusgon ang Citizen’s Rage Against Corruption.”
The Citizens Rage Against Corruption Rally converged on September 21 at Orcullo Park, Davao City.