MANILA, AUGUST 23, 2013 – Admen, marketers, artists and netizens are encouraged to join “A Million People March to Luneta” on August 26.
The protest to happen on Monday was announced via social media – a call for citizens to stand up on the issue concerning the misuse of the ”pork barrel” or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). This is in light of a recent report from the Commission on Audit (COA) that billions of taxpayers’ money allotted to public officials were given to ”bogus” non-government organizations.
Peachy Rallonza-Bretaña (a creative director of a local advertising agency) suggested that the march take place on National Hero’s Day at Luneta Park. Other than it is a holiday on Monday, she believed that all Filipinos are considered ‘heroes’ because we regularly pay our taxes. It is open to anyone – “If you want to join, then go!” she urged.
The initiative caught the attention of multitudes and word spread on social media. The million people march will be simultaneously held in different cities around the country. The CEAP (a Catholic school group), motorcycle groups, lawyers and doctors have pledged to join the march.
Mae Paner, an advocate of Juana Change movement posted on Facebook saying, “To all my fellow artists, let us fill the people’s hearts with joy by sharing our talents on Monday in Luneta! Calling all singers, magicians, poets, musicians, directors, film makers, pole dancers, rappers, ballerinas, actors, kumakain ng apoy, composer, designer, photographer, tight rope walker, sculptor, painter, performance artist, chef, etc. Let us celebrate our creativity with a MILLION! Not a bad number for an audience di ba? Kapwa ko artista Pls Share!”
The event is open to the public and will happen 9am to 2pm at the Luneta Park in Manila. There will be no formal program and participants are advised to bring their own food which they can also share to the community.
