Protesters burn Duterte’s effigy

Several protesters coming from different causeoriented organizations yesterday put into flames a huge dummy of President Rodrigo Duterte's face to show their disapproval of the policies and plans of the current administration.

Jaime Paglinawan, chairperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN-Central Visayas), said the group continues to protest against the “fascist” style of Duterte's regime, commemorating in advance the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution tomorrow.

He criticized Duterte for becoming more than former president Ferdinand Marcos, who was ousted in the 1980s when the Filipino people revolted from his authoritarian regime.

Paglinawan said the group also opposed the administration for implementing Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law and for pushing the constitutional reform or Charter Change.

He said the group wanted to resist tyranny from the highest ranking officials and would stop any plan of another dictatorship.

BAYAN-Central Visayas was joined by the Cebu chapter of the Movement against Tyranny (MAT) in leading the protest action, which is a nationwide activity to remember the EDSA Revolution.

The Philippine Revolution of 1986 was a series of popular “nonviolent” demonstrations in the country, mostly staged in Luzon, from February 22 to 25.

Paglinawan said the protest is also a call to stop the extrajudicial killings and an avenue for the members to voice out their dismay for the failures of the present administration to fulfill its campaign promises.

The group condemned the militaristic and bloody approach of the administration in addressing problems and societal issues that seemingly creates a state of terror among people.

It also claims that the recent policies and programs of the government are blatant attacks on the people.

“We will never be silenced in the midst of grave abuse of human rights, killings, and oppression. We enjoin everyone to stand against anti-people, anti-poor, and tyrant Duterte Administration. As we commemorate the 32nd EDSA People Power uprising, let us value the historical significance it tells us that the strength of the people can overthrow a tyrant leader,” said BAYAN-Central Visayas, in a statement.