Wazzup Pilipinas!?
As we approach January 31, 2025, a vital day for the future of the Philippines, the Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance have raised their voices in a powerful call for justice and reform, driven by the urgent need to address rampant corruption within the country’s government. This grassroots movement has gathered momentum in light of the controversial 2025 National Budget and the ongoing concerns regarding the Duterte and Marcos administrations.
A Budget That Favors the Few, Not the Many
The group vehemently opposes the proposed 2025 National Budget, deeming it a direct reflection of the greed and corruption that continues to plague the country's political system. According to the Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance, the budget overwhelmingly caters to the interests of corrupt politicians, undermining the well-being of the Filipino people.
Key issues identified include:
Undermining Public Institutions: The budget weakens public services, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation.
Promotion of Patronage Politics: It strengthens the hold of politicians who use government funds for personal gain, particularly through programs that are vulnerable to political manipulation.
Neglecting Basic Public Needs: The budget slashes funding for essential services like PhilHealth, 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), and vital infrastructure projects, while allocating large sums to pork barrel funds disguised as public works projects.
Weakening of Education and Military Modernization: Despite the ongoing needs for teacher hiring and computerization, these essential areas face drastic budget cuts, threatening the quality of education. Similarly, military modernization, which is critical for national security, has been relegated to a low priority.
Calls for Immediate Reform
The Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance have laid out several crucial demands that they believe will lead to a government that truly serves the people. These include:
Supreme Court Decision: An immediate ruling on the constitutionality and legality of the 2025 National Budget.
Budget Revision: A complete overhaul of the National Budget by Congress, ensuring that it prioritizes education, public health, and infrastructure projects that genuinely benefit the Filipino people.
Anti-Political Dynasty Law: The passing of this law, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution, to break the cycle of nepotism and corruption in the political sphere.
Transparency and Accountability: A call for full transparency in the budgeting process, including full disclosure of beneficiaries of government aid programs, to facilitate proper auditing.
Abolition of Confidential Funds: The removal of confidential funds that often lead to misuse and corruption.
Accountability for Duterte and Marcos
The Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance have also called for the accountability of key political figures, particularly former President Rodrigo Duterte and current Vice President Sara Duterte, for their alleged involvement in corruption and human rights violations during the War on Drugs.
Impeachment of VP Sara Duterte: The movement demands the removal of the Vice President from office and the prosecution of other government officials implicated in corruption.
Investigation of Military Aid Mismanagement: The call for Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro to release the results of an investigation into two military aides who mishandled P125 million in confidential funds linked to VP Sara Duterte.
Legal Action for Extra-Judicial Killings: The movement demands that the Duterte family face formal charges for their involvement in the extrajudicial killings connected to the War on Drugs.
International Cooperation: A plea for the Marcos administration to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating the Duterte administration's crimes.
A Call for Unity and Change
In the face of widespread corruption, the Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance are rallying the Filipino people to unite for a common cause—justice, transparency, and accountability. Their message is clear: No real peace or healing can happen without justice. They call for a movement that transcends political affiliations, uniting citizens from all walks of life to demand a government that is truly accountable to the people.
The movement's call to action will culminate in a powerful demonstration at the EDSA Shrine on January 31, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Supported by organizations such as 1Sambayan, Akbayan, Bikers for Good Governance, Caritas Philippines, Doctors for Truth and Public Welfare, and many others, the event is expected to gather thousands of Filipinos committed to the fight against corruption and the restoration of good governance.
A United Front Against Corruption
The Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance has declared that this battle is not just for the leaders of today, but for the future of the nation. The various groups and individuals coming together are a testament to the collective resolve of the Filipino people to stand up for what is right.
The movement seeks not only to hold the current administration accountable but to ensure that no future leaders will be able to continue the cycle of greed, neglect, and corruption that has caused so much harm to the Filipino people. Their fight is for the restoration of integrity and the establishment of a government that truly works for the people.
Conclusion
As the Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance march forward with their calls for accountability and reform, it is clear that the road ahead will not be easy. However, with unity and perseverance, the movement believes that a brighter, more transparent future is possible. The struggle for justice is far from over, but it is a fight worth waging—for the future of every Filipino citizen and the integrity of the nation itself.
The Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance have raised the stakes in the ongoing battle for a corruption-free Philippines, urging the public to stand with them on January 31, 2025, at the EDSA Shrine.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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