• THERESA MAE DULMAN
An anti-corruption march is set to take place in Bacolod City on November 30, with the Negros-wide multi-sectoral alliance, TAMA NA-Negros (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance), leading the mobilization.
The alliance, which includes the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bacolod and the One Negros Ecumenical Council, expects an estimated 7,000 citizens to participate on Bonifacio Day, convening from the Sacred Heart Seminar and the Provincial Capitol Lagoon.
Their collective focus is on the sectors most affected by governmental corruption.
TAMA NA-Negros and the Diocese of Bacolod, joined by the youth broad alliance Katipunan ng Kabataan Laban sa Korapsyon (KKK), are demanding increased accountability, transparency, and justice in governance.
Key demands include an independent audit of infrastructure and LGU projects, openness of government budget, and the adoption of an anti-dynasty bill with robust public oversight.
The Alliance demands swift and decisive accountability over the corruption mess involving the entire Philippine system of governance, to include the heads of government offices, institutions and agencies, whoever they may be. This includes the call for Justice through restitution or the return of ill-gotten wealth. And in the midst of political disunity and alleged calls for extra-constitutional reform measures, the coalition also urges all concerned Filipinos to respect the Constitutional process and the people’s sovereign will.
The group also seeks investigations into public works, protection for peasant and fisherfolk communities, and justice for victims of human rights violations and red-tagging.
The alliance, composed of twenty-seven multi-sectoral organizations, enjoins patriotic citizens to celebrate Bonifacio Day by rising up to demand genuine public service.*
