By E. Maestro (Posted by ReyFort Media)
The week of September 21st unleashed a flood of protests around the world, not only to mark the 53rd declaration of martial law in the Philippines, but also to register the people’s anger against corruption which was highlighted in the scandal of billions of funds stolen from flood control projects in the entire Philippines.
The funds were stolen by contractors, engineers, employees and heads of government departments, elected officials from all levels of government from the national to the barangay level.
The stench of corruption reeks up to high heavens and can no longer be deodorized, hidden, ignored, or wished away.
In Vancouver, the Filipino Canadian community added their strong and loud voices to the Canada-wide actions in Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, and Montreal on the issue of corruption.
The Press Conference at the Metrotown Banquet Hall in Burnaby gathered representatives from community organizations of migrants, youth, academe, and community leaders who drew the connections between Marcos Sr martial law and the current socio- economic crises. The Press Conference can be viewed here. https://youtu.be/-YdPqFv4_Mw?si=1kyypVjQVqMkStqc
We heard from UBC professor Nora Angeles and a Bulakena, Darla Tomeldan of the Pinoy Pride Vancouver Society, Amado Mercado Jr of the Filipino Canadian Construction Society & Leni Kiko Coalition Vancouver, Kevin Quicho of Anakbayan BC Youth, Beth Dollaga of Kairos, ICHRP, Amado Mercado III of ATOM & August 12 Movement, and Ateneo de Manila University, Ago Pedalizo of Full Accountability Now (FAN), and Marc Perez , poet and Migrante BC.
The following day, September 21, started with the Migrante Mass at the St Mary the Virgin South Hill Anglican Chuch in East Vancouver. A candle lighting ceremony and prayers for the victims of the martial law years was done led by St Mary the Vigin South Hill parish, Rev Expedito Farinas, and the parish congregation.
The Alay Lakad Laban sa Korapsyon kicked off from the church, with blessings from the church as a send off. The marchers carrying their banners and signs chanted as they walked along the busy Fraser street.
The Joyce Skytrain Station was the convergence point and the rally site where nearly two hundred people, young and old alike, came. The songs, chants, and feisty speeches climaxed in the singing of the song adapted from Les Miserables “Ting ng Bayan na Galit” .
The chants echoed well after the rally ended.
I echo the calls of Migranre Canada to all Overseas Filipinos :
1.)Organize migrant associations, unions, and solidarity networks abroad to fight systemic government corruption in the Philippines.
2. Expose and oppose corruption from Marcos Jr. to Sara Duterte.
3. Defend historical truth against lies and distortion about Martial Law.
4. Unite with workers, peasants, women, and youth in the Philippines fighting for genuine democracy and sovereignty.
Panagutin ang mga Korap!
Never again, never forget!
For more information on What’s Next? Please contact Diane Zapata at dianezapata.migbc@gmail.com| 236.514. 8846
ReyFort Media 
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