• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Around 2,000 protesters gathered in Bacolod City July 27 for a synchronized demonstration coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The multi-sectoral assembly, dubbed “SONA ng Bayan”, was organized under the coalition banner Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (Tama Na-Negros).
Tama Na convenor, Fr. Armando Onion, said that public officials accused of corruption, including President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, must face the law without exception.
“What we call the position of government, from the president down, is being used by politicians, our leaders, and barangay captains not to serve the people, but to enrich themselves and their families,” Onion claimed.
He challenged the administration to present concrete measures to curb corruption and address the economic hardships faced by ordinary Filipinos.
Bayan Muna–Negros secretary-general Noly Rosales echoed the demand for systemic economic solutions over temporary government cash assistance, and urged an end to impunity and the misuse of public welfare funds.
“The SONA of the president does not reflect the SONA of the people. We will continue until we build a government that truly deserves the masses,” Josy Requilme, spokesperson of Partido Lakas ng Masa, said.
The collective mobilization was attended by sectoral groups, church, labor groups, environmental advocates, youth groups, and even residents of Brgy. Salamanca in Toboso.
The crowd called for full accountability regarding the multi-billion-peso flood control fund anomalies, pervasive government corruption, rising commodity prices, living wages, and sustainable job creation.
The Bacolod City Police Office monitored the peaceful mobilization, which formed part of nationwide protests demanding clean governance and economic relief.
PEACEFUL SONA: PRO-NIR
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, meanwhile, said that no major untoward incident was recorded throughout the region during with the SONA.
PRO-NIR deployed nearly 600 personnel across the region to ensure public safety before, during, and after the national event, and all police units remained on heightened alert and closely coordinated with local government units, partner-agencies, and force multipliers to maintain peace and order, it added.
“The peaceful and orderly conduct of the fifth SONA in the Negros Island Region reflects the commitment, discipline, and professionalism of our police personnel, as well as the invaluable support of our partner-agencies, local government units, and every law-abiding Negrense,” PRO-NIR director, P/Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, said in a statement. | TMD
