MIGRANTE INTERNATIONAL | OFWs support People’s Initiative vs. Pork

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reference: Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 0939-3914418

Global alliance of overseas Filipinos Migrante International supports plans to hold a People’s Initiative to scrap the pork barrel.

According to Garry Martinez, Migrante International chairperson, they welcome the People’s Initiative because “it is an expression of the people’s will and freedom to act collectively and decisively against the pork barrel system”.

“The People’s Initiative IS people power. It is a concrete measure that can be taken up by the people not only against the pork barrel system but against a system of political patronage, a system of tyranny of the elite and a system that undermines the people’s will,” Martinez said.

“At this point in the anti-pork barrel campaign, it has become very clear that the Aquino administration has no intentions of budging despite widespread clamor to scrap the pork barrel. The People’s Initiative can be a venue for Filipinos here and abroad to express their outrage against Aquino’s pork, patronage and plunder.”

Martinez said that they will mobilize and organize efforts among their members and chapters here and abroad to participate in the People’s Initiative.

Migrante International is an alliance of more than 300 Filipino migrant organizations in 23 countries around the world. It is also a member-convenor of DEPORK! (Overseas Filipinos Demand Abolition of Pork), a broad coalition of Filipino im/migrants, families, advocates and service providers worldwide against the pork barrel system.

Overseas Filipinos have been active in the anti-pork barrel campaign and have launched series of global actions in solidarity with the #abolishporkmovement . First was the August 26 International Day of Action coinciding with the #MillionPeopleMarch, and the September 19 Zero Remittance Day for Zero Pork.

The DEPORK! alliance has also mobilized in the September 13, September 21 and October 4 rallies against the pork barrel system.

“OFWs and Filipino im/migrants continue to stage protest actions, forums and activities spearheaded and participated in by Filipino communities around the world.  OFWs and their families continue to look for ways to participate and show their protest against widespread corruption in the Aquino government. The People’s Initiative is one concrete measure and overseas Filipinos will without doubt embrace and uphold this initiative.” he said.

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