By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
Over 500 members of different human rights groups staged a rally at Liwasang Bonifacio, in Ermita, Manila on Saturday, Dec. 10, to commemorate the International Human Rights Day.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said the participants, who were members of Amihan, Anakpawis and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Karapatan, Bantay Bigas, Selda, Kilusang Mayuhan, League Filipino Students (LFS), and other cultural groups, gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio at around 9 a.m. They marched towards the Mendiola Bridge at 11 a.m.
During the program, Karapatan Secretary General Kristina Palamay urged the public to fight against human rights violations.
Meanwhile, Cathy Estabillio, Amihan secretary-general and Bantay Bigas spokesperson, called on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to address the issues on the land reform programs among farmers.
"Para sa gobyernong Marcos, dapat ipatupad ang tunay na reporma sa lupa. Dapat bigyang prioridad ang lokal na industriya sa pagkain. At higit sa lahat ibasura ang mga iba't ibang patakarang liberalisasyon na nagresulta ng matinding kagutuman ng mga Pilipino (To the Marcos government, a real land reform must be implemented. Prioritize the local food industry, and above all, scrap the various liberalization policies that resulted in severe hunger among Filipinos)," Estabillo appealed.
The groups also talked about different social issues such as the country's lack of hospital funds, price hikes, salary declines, and the Maharlika Wealth Fund.
The spokespersons of the human rights groups also vowed to continue to challenge the law until all Filipinos get the governance they deserve.
Some groups performed patriotic songs during the event.
They also destroyed an effigy of President Marcos Jr. at Liwasang Bonifacio.