Daily Tribune
KEEPING tabs on Sara Various groups, from civil society organizations, faith-based groups, legal practitioners, academics, youth leaders and democracy advocates, hold photos of Vice President Sara Duterte during the launch of Bantay Impeachment, a citizen watch campaign promoting public vigilance, accountability and transparency in the ongoing proceedings against the VP.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of Analy Labor for the DAILY TRIBUNE
Organizers of Sunday's White Ribbon March pushed back against attempts to associate the protest with any political bloc, insisting the mobilization is aimed at holding all public officials implicated in corruption accountable, regardless of party or political alliance.
In a statement issued ahead of the march to the EDSA People Power Monument, the White Ribbon Movement (WRM) underscored that the rally is "non-partisan" and would take aim at corruption involving the country's dominant political dynasties.
"We categorically state that the speakers from various sectors in the White Ribbon March will not be selective in discussing top governing dynasties' corruption issues," the organizers said.
"Our call is clear: Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot."
The clarification came after a political party expressed support for the rally and encouraged its members to participate, saying corruption "is not a partisan issue" and describing the gathering as "an act of civic responsibility and moral witness against corruption in all its forms."
But the WRM emphasized that while ordinary citizens who support good governance and electoral reforms are welcome to join, politicians affiliated with what it described as corrupt political dynasties are not.
"Our march is non-partisan and clearly against dynasties and corruption. Hence, citizens who stand against dynasties and corruption and for electoral reform and good governance are welcome, but not those affiliated with corrupt dynasties," the group said.
The organizers also challenged politicians accused of corruption to "repent and reflect" on their role in depriving Filipinos of resources for healthcare, education, housing and other essential public services, adding that "there is always time for a change of heart, but there should be accountability and justice first."
The White Ribbon March is expected to bring together religious leaders, civil society organizations, labor groups and other sectors demanding stronger action against corruption, political dynasties and what they describe as the government's lack of accountability.
Among the organizations joining the protest is Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK), which said corruption has worsened poverty by diverting public funds that should have gone to schools, hospitals, housing and other social services.
The group said Sunday's mobilization would also press for continued investigations into alleged irregularities involving confidential funds, flood control projects and political donations, as well as the recovery of suspected ill-gotten wealth and the passage of a stronger Anti-Dynasty Law.
KBKK also called for accountability from both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte over separate corruption allegations, arguing that Filipinos "cannot wait until 2028" to demand reforms and prosecute those responsible for plundering public funds.
