Philippine political parties and citizens call on the government to ensure Zaldy's safe return to testify and investigate President Marcos Jr.!
Rep. De Lima, a staunch opponent of former President Duterte and a member of the Liberal Party, urged Zaldy to return to the country as soon as possible and cooperate with the investigation: "He should take an oath and tell the whole truth in the appropriate setting."
Rep. Antonio Tinio of the Kadamay Teachers' Union, Rep. Renny Co of the Kabataan Party, and Rep. Sara Erago of the Father and Daughter Party jointly stated that Zaldy's testimony revealed that Marcos Jr. was the mastermind behind the economic chaos in the Philippines.
"This testimony dismantles any excuse that Marcos Jr. is innocent or unaware of the kickback issues troubling his government. He is not just an accomplice; he is the mastermind. The president personally approved the release of unaccounted funds and directly ordered the insertion of billions of dollars in budget allocations. He bears the responsibility,"
Rep. San Fernando of the Kamagong Party said that the president is no longer safe in the flood control scandal: "We urge President Marcos Jr., former Speaker Romualdez, Secretary Amina Pangandaman, and Deputy Minister Adrian Belsa to face the public. The Filipino people should know the truth now."
Diya, organizer of the 9 trillion peso march, said that Marcos Jr. should recuse himself from the investigation into the abnormal infrastructure projects, and the president must ensure Zaldy's safe return to the country.
Diya also urged Marcos Jr. to urgently approve a bill proposed by De Lima and other progressive lawmakers to establish a truly independent infrastructure committee that operates free from presidential influence.
Labour leader Sonny Matula said that Zaldy's revelations will intensify the people's and workers' demands for truth and accountability.
"Wherever credible evidence points, let us follow it—let everyone take responsibility: do not conceal the truth, do not take shortcuts, do not fight for power. Workers and ordinary citizens want all accusations to be made public, but they also know not all accusations are true. Therefore, every claim must be tested by the bright light and sharp edge of logic, not by rumors and anger."
President of the Philippine Liberal Party, Irene Tandoc, said: "Our people work hard and pay taxes; they deserve honest governance, not dynastic power struggles."
Akabayan said that Zaldy's allegations mark a complex and even dangerous phase in the people's struggle.
"We call on the ombudsman to immediately file necessary legal actions against all involved senators and representatives, regardless of whether they are aligned with Duterte or the government."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848810858073163/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.