A coalition of religious and civic organizations has renewed calls for accountability over what it called one of the largest corruption scandals in Philippine history. Officials, the group says, have siphoned billions of pesos meant for public welfare into private accounts.
Demands for Justice and Reform
The group, Simbahan at Komunidad laban sa Katiwalian (SIKLAB), or Church and Community Against Corruption, is one of the organizers of the Trillion Peso March.
“Justice requires that all those who are responsible be tried, jailed, and made to return the money they have stolen from us,” the statement said. “Justice also requires that systemic corruption is rooted out through reforms that enable transparency, participation, and rights-based governance.”
SIKLAB called on the Ombudsman to file all appropriate charges, including plunder, based on findings from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI). The coalition also demanded the suspension of implicated officials and the freezing of ill-gotten assets.
The group emphasized transparency in ICI hearings, urging livestreaming and the participation of independent civil society organizations. It also called for legislation to institutionalize the ICI and pass laws like the Freedom of Information Act, Anti-Political Dynasty Law, and Open Infrastructure Bill.
Mobilizing Citizens
SIKLAB has planned a series of actions to keep public pressure:
1. White Friday Protest at EDS Shrine, Nov. 7
2. White Ribbon Walk vs Corruption in Makati, Nov. 14
3. Student Action Against Corruption, Nov. 17
4. Centennial Celebration of Christ the Servant King, Nov. 23
5. Trillion Peso Protest Action at PPM, Nov. 30
The White Ribbon Walk is co-organized with Makati Employees vs Corruption, Manindigan Na, and the Makati Village Council. The coalition also urged investigations into the alleged misuse of Confidential and Intelligence funds by Vice President Sara Duterte. SIKLAB warned against attempts to redirect public anger toward extra-constitutional measures, echoing Cardinal Ambo David’s call to let the rule of law work.
