PHOTO CAPTION: Davao authorities reported around 7,500 people gathered at San Pedro Square in Davao City as of 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, for the “Pray for the Philippines and for the Release of Former President Rodrigo Duterte” rally, despite intermittent rain. (Photo credit to Ivy Tejano)
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Senator Christopher Lawrence Go warned Sunday, September 21, that public protests against corruption could continue unless authorities identify those behind alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
In an interview with reporters at San Pedro Square in Davao City, Go emphasized the need to hold accountable the alleged masterminds of these anomalies while calling for peaceful nationwide demonstrations.
Go attended the “Pray for the Philippines and for the Release of Former President Rodrigo Duterte” event on Sunday evening. He prayed for national unity, peace, and the safe return of former President Duterte.
The senator also requested prayers for Vice President Sara Duterte’s safety during her overseas visit and expressed gratitude for her continued support of the Filipino people.
Addressing critics, Go said feeding underprivileged citizens was not inappropriate, noting that some recipients only had rare opportunities to enjoy meals such as roast beef or even specialty dishes like crocodile meat and cake.
Go expressed solidarity with Mindanao and Davao residents participating in the rally, emphasizing the importance of conveying grievances peacefully.
He linked the public gatherings to growing frustration over unresolved corruption scandals, asserting that accountability should extend to those at the top of such schemes.
“As long as the mastermind behind these anomalies remains unidentified and corruption persists, protests will likely continue across the country,” Go said.
The senator also called for the return of former President Duterte from The Hague, citing current political instability and contrasting it with what he described as a more controlled administration under Duterte.
He lamented recent shifts in Congressional leadership and the loss of his chairmanship in the health advocacy committee, but pledged to continue serving the public.
Go urged Senate investigators to thoroughly examine the alleged corruption, insisting that all individuals who misappropriated government funds be held accountable.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa also attended the prayer rally, stressing the importance of combating government corruption.
He referenced his refusal to sign the alleged anomalous 2025 national budget. He also cited alleged bribery attempts linked to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co in connection with the International Criminal Court’s inquiry into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Dela Rosa also discussed ongoing Senate hearings on flood control projects and called for continuous prayers for the country and the former president while holding corrupt officials accountable.
The Davao City Police Office reported that around 7,500 people gathered at San Pedro Square by 6 p.m. Sunday despite intermittent rain.
DCPO acting director Police Col. Mannan Caracas Muarip, who personally conducted a security inspection and launched aerial monitoring using drone technology to ensure real-time crowd assessment and coordination, said the event remained peaceful and orderly.
