More than 500 runners gathered in Marikina City on Sunday for the local leg of Takbo Laban sa Korapsyon, a run calling for accountability in government-funded projects.
Niña Villanueva, spokesperson of Marikina Kontra Agos and lead organizer, raised concerns over alleged ghost flood control projects. She stressed that flood mitigation should not revolve around costly infrastructure projects vulnerable to corruption but should focus on protecting the environment.
“Para po sa amin yung solusyon po, ay yung pagreserba po sa ating kabundukan, sa Sierra Madre. Itigil po yung mga quarrying at syempre po yung pagtigil na rin po sa mga korapsyon na ginagawa,” Villanueva said.
Gabriela Women’s Party-list National Vice Chairperson Sarah Elago also joined the run, calling for stolen public funds to be redirected to essential services.
“Tama na, sobra na ang katiwalian, taong bayan naman, ilaan ang pondo na ninakaw, dapat bawiin yan at ilaan po natin sa mga pampublikong ospital, sa eskwelahan, sa serbisyong panlipunan,” she said.
For participants like Roy, the event was a peaceful protest. He said even small acts like joining the run can send a strong message.
“Sana enough na po na mabasang may placard na lahat ng kurakot dapat managot, maigsi lang po pero sana enough para marinig ng mga nakaupo, para matulungan yung mga taong bayan,” he said.
