Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Pork -- whether eaten or not -- causes headache

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! 

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