MANILA – A massive rally titled “Gathering for Accountability: Impeach Sara! Protect the Nation’s Coffers!” is set to take place at the People Power Monument in EDSA on January 31, 2025, at 9 a.m.

The event aims to rally public support and demand immediate action from Congress on the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The impeachment case accuses Vice President Duterte of alleged gross misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, as well as significant budget misappropriations in the recently passed national government budget. Organizers and complainants claim the rally underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency in governance.

The event is spearheaded by complainants of the impeachment case, alongside prominent progressive political parties, religious leaders, and civil society organizations. Key groups and individuals include Tindig Pilipinas, Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña, ML Party-list leader Erin Tañada, Magdalo Party-list’s Eugene Gonzales, Father Robert Reyes, Father Flavie Villanueva, labor leader Sonny Matula of Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, and youth organizations like the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) and Akbayan Youth.

Organizers anticipate at least 5,000 participants, coming from various social, political, and religious sectors. The program will feature a mass, testimonials from the complainants, cultural performances, and speeches from political and sectoral leaders.

A Call for Transparency and Justice

The rally serves as a clarion call for public vigilance, urging citizens to hold public officials accountable for the management of national funds. “This is not just about filing complaints but protecting the nation’s coffers from abuse and ensuring good governance,” organizers stated.

Participants will march to the EDSA Shrine in the afternoon, where a concert rally organized by the Citizens and Clergy for Good Governance (CCGG) will take place at 2 p.m. The concert rally aims to amplify the public’s collective voice for reform and integrity in public service.

A Growing Momentum for Accountability

The impeachment case against Vice President Duterte highlights growing concerns over the use of confidential funds by high-ranking government officials. The complainants believe this is a pivotal moment for Congress to demonstrate its commitment to accountability by acting decisively on the complaints filed.

This gathering is seen as a continuation of the spirit of the 1986 People Power Revolution—a testament to the power of collective action in ensuring justice and accountability in governance.

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MANILA — A mass gathering titled “Gathering for Accountability: Impeach Sara! Protect the Nation’s Coffers!” is set to take place on January 31, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the People Power Monument in EDSA.

Organized by progressive political parties, social movements, sectoral organizations, and religious leaders, the event aims to urge Congress to take swift action on the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The complainants, along with notable groups such as Tindig Pilipinas and Akbayan Party-list, are calling for transparency and accountability. They accuse Duterte of gross misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, as well as grave budget misappropriations in the recently approved national budget.

Prominent figures including Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña, ML Party-list nominee Erin Tañada, Father Robert Reyes, and Sonny Matula of the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition will lead the rally, which is expected to draw over 5,000 participants.

The event will feature a mass, testimonies from complainants, speeches from political leaders, cultural performances, and a strong collective call for justice. A concert rally organized by Citizens and Clergy for Good Governance (CCGG) will follow at 2 p.m. at the Edsa Shrine.

Organizers emphasize the importance of an engaged citizenry in holding public officials accountable, ensuring that the nation’s coffers are protected from abuse.

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“PTEA stands with GM Puod in this fight!”

By Daniel Asido

MANILA – Government media workers from the People’s Television Employees Association (PTEA) are rallying behind ousted General Manager Analisa Puod and are asking for her reinstatement after her ‘unexpected removal’ by the Office of the President.

In a document obtained by the Pilipino Mirror dated June 10, 2024, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin instructed Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil to appoint Antonio Nebrida and to remove Puod from office.

Puod was appointed as General Manager of PTV by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in June 2023. The reason for her removal was not specified in the document.

Nebrida, on the other hand, served as the spokesman of the Department of Migrant Workers (DBW) before he was appointed acting GM.

The workers said that they stand alongside Puod and asked the Office of the President to recall its decision, noting that the network has been performing well under the ousted GM’s leadership.

“[PTEA] is throwing its support behind ousted station general manager Analisa Puod since the latter has been efficient in managing the company, is mindful of the plight of the employees, and is fully supportive of their initiatives,” the workers said in a statement.

Puod’s management of PTV

PTEA said that Puod’s contribution to the state-run network is invaluable, noting the boost in PTV’s performance in replay rate and network reach while introducing new segments like Congress TV, Unity League, PTV Sports Channel, and increased transmitter stations under her leadership.

Aside from network performance, PTEA also said that Puod is working hard to give benefits to contractual members of the PTV and to uplift the working conditions and status of the workers.

The workers added that Puod is already working toward the 20-year ‘delayed’ reorganization and regularization of employees, and a change in leadership will derail her efforts to give better working conditions to PTV employees.

“Together with the greater majority of regular and contractual employees from the head office to all provincial stations, PTEA believes that Puod’s capability, competence, and commitment to ensuring that PTV-4 adheres to its mandates and better serves the people have significantly boosted the government’s network reputation and capability,” they added.

The workers also think Puod’s approach to efficiency and the fight against corrupt activities within the network is in line with the objectives of the Marcos administration, and they hope the palace will rethink its choice.

Climate and energy justice activists associated with the Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) convened outside the Embassy of Japan on Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City on Friday, November 3, 2023, the day Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived for a two-day state visit. Their purpose was to stage a protest rally opposing Japanese fossil fuel projects.

During this visit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to spend two days in the country, highlighted by a speech before the joint session of Congress on Saturday.

It is expected that he will make announcements regarding a security aid package and forthcoming negotiations for a defense pact. These initiatives aim to strengthen Japan’s alliances, particularly in light of China’s current assertiveness in the region.

In meetings between President Bongbong Marcos and the Prime Minister, a significant focus will be on addressing the escalating assertiveness of China in the West Philippine Sea.

(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)