Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday vowed to join the public in fighting leaders that will abuse their power and authority.
“Sa ating pagsasama, lalong umiigting ang determinasyon na hinding-hindi na nating hahayaang mangyari muli ang pagsupil ng ating kalayaan at pang-aabuso ng kapangyarihan. Never again,” Robredo said in a speech after attending a Mass commemorating the 46th anniversary of martial law declaration in the country.
“Paulit-ulit at walang sawa natin itong isisigaw hanggang sa tumatak sa isip ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ng kabataan, ang pangil na dala ng awtoritaryanismo,” she added.
Robredo also took a swipe at President Rodrigo Duterte’s push for a federal form of government.
She stressed that changing the form of government would undermine the country’s democracy.
“Kung gusto nating maramdaman ang kaunlaran ng mas marami nating kababayan, kailangan nating palalimin ang demokrasya, hindi ang iwanan ito,” she said.
“Kailangan natin itong patatagin, at hindi pakialaman ang Konstitusyon na siyang sinasandigan ng mga prinsipyo nito,” Robredo noted.
President Duterte has been pushing for a federal form of government, noting that it would “truly embody the ideals and aspirations” of all Filipinos and create opportunities for growth.
Meanwhile, protesters from groups critical of Duterte have arrived at the Luneta Park in Manila for their Martial Law declaration anniversary movements.
Members of religious dominations, student organizations, women’s rights advocates, civil society groups, labor unions, farmer groups, and left-leaning factions were present.
According to organizers, protesters may use the hashtags #NeverAgain when posting in social media, about the martial law regime of late strongman former President Ferdinand Marcos.
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