Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso voiced disappointment over anti-corruption protesters who contradicted their call for proper use of public funds by vandalizing city streets and infrastructures during the Nov. 30 rallies. He stressed that while demonstrators demanded accountability in government spending, their actions forced the city to waste resources on cleanup instead of vital public services.
“Paulit-ulit na paalala: malaya ang magpahayag, pero huwag babuyin ang ating lungsod. Sa kabila nito, may mga nag-vandal pa rin sa mga pader sa kahabaan ng Padre Burgos Street—perang dapat para sa serbisyo publiko, mapupunta na naman sa paglilinis ng kalat nila,” Domagoso exclaimed.
“Nakakapagtaka: nagpoprotesta para sa tamang paggamit ng pondo, pero sila rin ang dahilan ng pag-aaksaya nito,” he added.
The Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) quickly cleaned and restored the vandalized areas, earning praise from the mayor.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), about 2,500 individuals joined the “Baha sa Luneta 2.0” demonstration, initially held at Luneta Park to coincide with the 162nd birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio.
Police later redirected the group to Liwasang Bonifacio after organizers failed to secure a permit from the Manila Parks and Development Committee (MPDC), as required under the Public Assembly Act (Batas Pambansa Blg. 880).
The protesters ended their demonstration along Recto Avenue later that afternoon. (Patrick Garcia)
