At the very least, it was comforting to know that
another Filipino from a different place, sect, gender, religion, and status also voiced out the same disgust I felt regarding the Pork Barrel Scandal which
has been continually impairing our national
growth and growth as a nation.
I joined our fellowmen in the Million (actually, Many) People March
held at Luneta Park last August 26, Monday. I knew the event would evoke
national interest. I believed in the same cause that these people were fighting
for. I was sure the event will make prime time news’ headlines. The only thing I
wanted to have a full grasp on is – aside from the fault of Janet Napoles and
our corrupt solons, why did they come?
With my colored pens and my notebook, I invited some MPM goers to write
why they were at the event. Here are some of their reasons:
MILLION PEOPLE MARCH
August 26, 2013 (National Heroes
Day) | Luneta Park
I’M HERE BECAUSE...
Of my children’s future!!!
Jet Pampolina | Father
I love the Philippines <3
Carmela | Consultant
I love my country...
Sister Ems| CSFN
I want my voice to be heard and (to) abolish totally pork barrel
Cora | Businesswoman
I fight corruption! Always!
Bro. Angelo, OFM | Franciscan
To fight corruption. Sobra na sila... God bless Philippines
Dante Fornesa | Businessman
(He even gave me his contact numbers s as to be informed of the
progress of this case and should there be another MPM)
I pay my taxes. I am a Filipino who cares for the future of my
children. I want accountability and transparency. I want change. I want to see
my country rise because I know we can.
Sharon | Mother, Wife and Soundtrack Producer
To unite with all the Filipino people in saying no to pork barrel and
really focus on giving life to all! Scrap pork barrel. Give life to Sierra
Madre and to Mother Earth.
Elizabeth | Chairperson, Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance Inc.
I’m here because I have to be. Witnessing the ever-growing gap between those
who have and those who have not has distressed (or stressed) me greatly.
I hope this gathering at Luneta shows the government how serious we – the Filipino people – are regarding our
future. The PDAF scam has been exposed. What(‘s) next? What I want to see is
(1) the pork barrel system abolished and (2) those who took funds / benefitted
from this scam brought to justice.
I have a four-year old son. I’m here because I want him, and all
children to have a positive future in this country. OUR COUNTRY THAT WE LOVE.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Teenee Chan | Singer, Theater Actor
I am for change. I am a Filipino who wants to make a difference.
Yanam | Housewife
I want a better Philippines for my students
Teacher Jerson
I want to fight for better living in our nation.
Jess | (Student)
Pilipino ako. Pilipino tayo. Magkaisa tayo.
Jay | (Student)
Because I join or people in their protest against the abuse of our
taxpayer’s money!!
(A member of Philippine Educational Theater Association)
I Juana be one in a MILLION
Juana Change
Transparency is a must!
M. Thomas Duggan | American Photographer, Peace Corps Volunteer
And as for me, I attended the Million People March because of several
factors:
· (1) I am a taxpayer since 2011. Let me clear to you
though that the big bulk of the money which was allegedly ill-spent was
collected from 2006-2009. During that time, I was still enjoying the benefits
of public school system in this country. With a great sense of gratitude to the
people who funded my education, I was there to represent the underprivileged Filipinos
who wish they could go to high school or college (or worse, grade school) but
could not because of lack of resources. Had these money been used to fuel
education programs in the metro and more importantly in the provinces; our
youth could have been more empowered and competitive. I am a proud product of
the public school system since grade school. Hence, I know how important it is
to attain and uphold education. I am sad because not all people at my age have
experienced the same because they simply cannot, while those who could have
helped them – did not.
· (2)
Like most people, I believe in the power of
money – the good and the bad. I can tell anyone who would confront me that I
never stolen from my parents. Not because we were rich, but only because I don’t
need much. I just have enough and I’m good. Unfortunately, to most barong-clad
people, money is blood and water combined. It sustains them. It enriches them.
It provides for them. And how I wish soon enough – it could put them into their
proper places as well. Yes, I am thinking of jail – with only steel bars and a
resounding, domineering conscience.
· (3)
And of course, I want to do what I exactly did –
know the pulse of my fellowmen. I am so curious to know what fuels them. I know we
all have different reasons in going to Luneta that day. But to tell you
honestly, I am amazed and overwhelmed with the idea that no matter how valid or
petty the motivations may be, we were all there bearing the same spirit of
patriotism. Like what most people echoed at Luneta, “I love my country.” I
agree. But you know what, when I saw and heard both the masses and the elite say
those words passionately, it just made want to love it more.
Disclaimer: I do not believe in total abolition of the ‘pork
barrel.’ To me, it is a very dangerous tool when entrusted to the wrong hands.
But given that we have good, conscientious leaders, the PDAF is actually a very
sound means of extending public service. Think about it!
