Shining light on the truth

Abroad and brilliant array of nearly 200 artists, performers, filmmakers, cultural and media workers, writers, journalists, photographers and bloggers have signed up to become members of the Let’s Organize for Democracy and Integrity (LODI), A LODI delegation also attended the Movement Against Tyranny’s Human Rights Day rally at Bonifacio Shrine in Manila.

LODI is a newly formed arts and media alliance devoted to defending free expression in the face of thousands of extrajudicial killings and transparent moves to install a Duterte dictatorship.

“Today, Human Rights Day, we Filipinos in the arts and media rededicate ourselves to the cause of defending our people’s right to freely think for ourselves and to freely express and to freely depict what’s happening to the country,” said stage and television artist Joel Saracho, one of LODI spokespersons.

Saracho said Duterte is not unlike the Marcos dictatorship that cracked down on free speech.

Blogger and newspaper columnist Tonyo Cruz, also a LODI spokesperson, said the 200 artists and media personalities “is just for starters.”

“We expect more people from the arts and media to sign this statement, join LODI and participate in activities. Many view Duterte and his rising dictatorship as clear and present dangers to their craft, industry and audiences,” said Cruz.

“We are happy and excited to see members of the arts and media communities come out openly and bravely for free expression. The dictator and his minions are put on notice,” he added.

Playwright Bonifacio Ilagan currently heads the LODI steering committee, with members including director Joel Lamangan, journalists Inday Varona Espina and Raymund Villanueva, Walkie Mirana of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines ( CAP), and spokespersons Saracho and Cruz.-Let’s Organize for Democracy and Integrity