OVER 50,000 people are expected to join “One Nation, One Opposition,” a multi-sectoral prayer rally set this Sunday in Davao City to protest the use of government programs and public funds intended to mislead voters into signing documents to support amendments to the Constitution.
In a privileged speech last Tuesday, Davao Third District Councilor Conrado Baluran called on the whole country to participate in the peace rally that will be led by Davao leaders, members of the academe and concerned citizens.
“Together with the calling for every Filipino people to participate in this greater cause for a nationwide campaign, Davao City will remain resilient and will not just stand aside as an observer but shall take part continuously striving to unite for one nation, one strong opposition,” said Baluran, adding they expect 50,000 people from various regions to participate in the rally.
He emphasized that “Dabawenyos are not for sale,” adding the prayer rally is being organized to protest the tactics of those behind the PI.
The Commission on Elections had earlier warned barangay officials from soliciting signatures for the ongoing PI campaign. In a forum, Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia said that as the Comelec chief, “I will not allow barangay officials to interfere or intervene with the PI.”
Garcia said that once the petitions for Charter change are submitted, the commission will authenticate the signatures to ensure that those who signed the petition understood its provisions and did so willingly and “were not pressured by the barangay captain, councilors or whomever.”
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has likewise issued a warning to barangay officials against securing signatures for the PI.