Religious, militant groups in Panay to join nationwide protest
Major religious and militant groups in Panay will join nationwide protest actions today in connection with the ZTE-NBN bribery controversy.
In a press conference yesterday, groups belonging to the Alliance for Truth and Justice said they will hold an inter-faith march and rally from the grounds of the Redemptorist-run St. Clement's Church in La Paz District in Iloilo City to the grounds of the Iloilo provincial capitol.
Among the religious groups that are expected to join are parishioners and clergy of the Jaro Archdiocese, Philippine Independent Church, United Church of Christ of the Philippines, Jesus Is Lord (JIL) movement and the Promotion of Church People's Response.
Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, is expected to join the rally.
Msgr. Meliton Oso, executive director of the Jaro Archdiocese social action center, said in the press conference that they expect students from Church-run schools to join the protest.
While the alliance is not calling for the ouster or resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo, Oso said they respect those who do.
"We will support whatever non-violent actions that are a result of common decisions and reflections and not just by an individual," he said.
The other groups include the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in Panay, Gabriela, National Union of People's Lawyers, Arroyo Resign Movement-Panay, Kilusang Mayo Uno and Youth Dare.
Fr. Christopher Ablon of the PCPR-Panay said they are reiterating their call for the President to resign because truth will continuously be suppressed if she remains in office.
Barangay and municipal officials are also joining the protests said Estancia town councilor Wilson Balingit.
"Our first moral obligation is to seek the truth. If we have found the truth, we must next grasp and live by this truth," said Oso.
"The lies (by the administration) are blatantly clear. If we love our country, it is time to act," said Rev. Stanley Flores of the JIL and Bangon Pilipinas.
Protest actions will also be held in the capital town of Kalibo in Aklan and in Roxas City in Capiz, said Bayan-Panay spokesperson Aurelio Bosque.
Protest organizers called on the public to wear white shirts and put white ribbons in houses and vehicles to show their support for the protest actions.
"I am a mother, wife and daughter and I am concerned what will happen to my children and grandchildren under the present situation," said Rose Duremdes-Doromal, former councilor of Dumangas town in Iloilo, in the press conference.