Malolos, Bulacan – Students from Bulacan State University (BulSU), together with hundreds of participants from progressive groups, flooded the streets to protest on Tuesday, September 30, to denounce corruption in flood control projects despite the unfavorable weather.
The BulSU Student Government led the protest, “Kick Back Kontra-Korap: Tindig Bulakenyo Laban sa mga Korap na Politiko,” which called for accountability from local officials linked to irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The protest commenced inside the university grounds and proceeded through the streets of Malolos. Demonstrators marched to the City Hall and City Walk Office of 1st District Representative Danilo “Danny” Domingo, where they heeded their call for accountability.
Domingo, along with 2nd District Representative Augustina “Tina” Pancho and former 5th district representative–now Guiguinto Mayor–Ambrosio “Boy” Cruz was identified by former 1st District Engineer Brice Hernandez during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing as allegedly involved in the flood control controversy.
Also joining in the protest were the members of the Akbayan Youth and the Youth Against Kurakot (YAK!).
In a Facebook post, Akbayan Youth’s Mark Diaz said that despite the substantial funds allocated for flood control projects in the province, Bulakenyos continue to suffer from floods while facing a worsening education crisis.
“We challenge them to disclose their SALN and waive their right to bank secrecy, and most importantly, make the proceedings of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) transparent, the people are done waiting,” he added, further challenging politicians involved in the controversy.
The rally followed similar protests recently held in several municipalities of Bulacan such as in Paombong, Guiguinto, and Baliwag, where residents and youth groups likewise demanded accountability and transparency in government projects amid the deep rooted corruption in the province.—Shai Morales, Eurotv News