Metro Manila, Philippines – Popstar royalty Sarah Geronimo has joined calls against corruption as public dismay swells against flood control project anomalies.
“Parang panloloko sa bansa natin pinaiikot-ikot lang tayo. Tama na,” Geronimo unexpectedly said in the middle of her “Ikot-ikot” performance during the UAAP Season 88 opening ceremony on Friday, Sept. 20.
[Translation: Just like fraud in our country, we are kept in circles. Let’s end it.]
Back-to-back probes are ongoing as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure began its work on Friday. Testimonies in recent weeks linked contractors and politicians in an alleged kickback system.
Parts of the country encounter severe flooding during typhoons. Climate change has been a factor for heavier rainfall amid poor water control facilities.
“Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman natin na napakaraming nangyayaring kaguluhan, kasinungalingan, panloloko ang ginagawa sa ating bansa,” Geronimo said.
[Translation: It’s no secret that there are many troubles, lies, deception happening in the country.]
The pop star called the youth to rise to the occasion.
\”One day, kayo ang magbabago ng bulok na sistema ng bansang ito. Huwag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa,” she said.
[Translation: One day, you will change the rotten system in our country. Don’t lose hope.]
Recently, comedian Michael V. spoofed contractor Sarah Discaya in a skit on “Bubble Gang” out of the congressional hearing. Edu Manzano has been posting social media content as a fictional politician flaunting supposedly ill-gotten wealth from government projects.
Celebrities to join protest
Protests have been mounted against the flood control scandal, with some groups hurling mud at a contractor’s business compound and rotten vegetables at local public works offices.
With the widespread corruption, advocates have called on the public to join Sept. 21 demonstrations, and authorities expect these to be massive.
The protests will coincide with the 53rd anniversary of the martial law declaration of late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, the president’s father and namesake.
Singer Ogie Alcasid, celebrity host Anne Curtis, and comedian Vice Ganda have expressed plans to join the movement.
In Metro Manila, demonstrators are set to gather at Luneta Park to call out corruption beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Religious and civil society groups will lead the “Trillion Peso March” at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City at 2 p.m.
